The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate, recovered two AK-47 rifles and other weapons, and discovered the remains of a 42-year-old victim in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The Command said the breakthrough followed a kidnapping incident reported on February 11, 2026. The report indicated that on February 4, 2026, Edafe Oghenekome, 42, and Favor Ighasa were abducted from their residence at Utese Village, after Udo Community.
Favor Ighasa later regained her freedom on February 9, while communication from the abductors regarding the release of Edafe ceased.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, that all kidnapping cases must be pursued to a logical conclusion, operatives sustained intelligence-driven investigations into the matter.
The efforts led to the arrest of Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21, who reportedly confessed and disclosed the involvement of other gang members. Further arrests were made, including Kehinde Adetunji, 45, alleged to be the syndicate’s local informant, and Nasiru Yau, 24, accused of supplying food to the gang in the bush.
Police said the suspects confessed to participating in the kidnapping, ransom collection, and the killing of Edafe Oghenekome.
During the operation, officers recovered two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 1686 and 2357, as well as three Dane guns. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of Edafe’s remains in the Igueladidi Forest, Iguobazuwa, where he had allegedly been left.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and assured the public that all those connected to the crime would be brought to justice.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.
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