In continuation of ongoing joint clearance operations across Edo State, the Edo State Police Command, in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, carried out a coordinated night operation deep inside Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of six suspected kidnappers.
The operation followed a critical intelligence breakthrough provided by a kidnap victim who positively identified the forest camp where he had been held captive. Acting on the information, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, personally led a joint security team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters into the forest.
The joint team travelled for about three hours to the last accessible motorable point and thereafter advanced on foot through dense forest terrain, crossing three locally constructed wooden bridges to reach the identified camp.
The silent movement, which lasted nearly two additional hours, ensured tactical surprise and prevented the compromise of the operation. At about 3:45 a.m., the operatives cordoned off the area in a well-coordinated encirclement, effectively blocking all escape routes.
A thorough search of the camp led to the arrest of six suspects identified as Mikel Gendaga (41) from Benue State; Yusuf Abubakar (34) from Kano State; Isyaka Abraham (30) from Kogi State; Isyaka Abubakar (37) from Kano State; Mohammed Sumo (20) from Kano State; and Mohammed Abubakar (25) from Kano State.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin City, where they are currently being profiled and subjected to intensive investigation for diligent prosecution.
Commending the professionalism, courage, and inter-agency cooperation displayed during the operation, the Commissioner of Police described the raid as a clear message to criminal elements.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to take the fight against organised crime to the hideouts of criminals, regardless of how remote, warning that forests in Edo State will no longer serve as safe havens for criminals.
The Edo State Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring residents that sustained intelligence-led operations remain central to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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