“Edo Police Strike Hard Against Kidnapping: Nigerian National Arrested, Suspects Neutralized in Forest Operations”

“Edo Police Strike Hard Against Kidnapping: Nigerian National Arrested, Suspects Neutralized in Forest Operations”

In a series of coordinated security operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks in Edo State, the Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers including a 28 year old national of the Republic of Niger and neutralized a fourth armed suspect during a forest engagement, authorities confirmed
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests and tactical successes stem from an intensified security deployment led by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, responding to a surge in kidnapping incidents in
According to the official statement, the first arrest occurred on 17 February 2026, when operatives of the Ubiaja Division apprehended Suleman Harruna, a Nigerian national residing in Kaba, Kogi State. Previously placed on the police wanted list, Harruna was identified by community members linked to a notorious kidnappers’ syndicate and has since made “useful confessions” aiding ongoing investigations.
Subsequent intelligence led operations resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects: Ibrahim Kodo, apprehended on 20 February 2026 in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, and Orsee Iorzaa, detained on 26 February 2026 following surveillance efforts. Both were identified by kidnapping victims as members of violent abduction gangs.
In a separate encounter on 7 March 2026, police, supported by the Edo State Security Corps, conducted an intensified bush combing operation within the Onogholọ you and Akwocha forests. During the operation, a group of four armed suspects engaged the security team; one was neutralized in the ensuing gunfight, while three sustained gunshot wounds and fled deeper into the forest. Items recovered at the scene included a single‑barrelled shotgun, live and spent cartridges, and a black facial mask.
The police command reiterated that follow up operations are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle their networks. Commissioner Agbonika commended the professionalism and resilience of officers involved in these complex operations.
Punch Newspapers
These developments come against a backdrop of sustained anti‑kidnapping efforts in Edo State, where law enforcement has recorded multiple successes in recent months, including mass arrests and rescues in other areas of the state.