Men of the Edo State Police Command have arrested ten kidnappers in different parts of the state and rescued six kidnapped victims, including a 58-year-old man and a couple.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, attributed the feat to the cooperation of community security partners, including the Nigerian Army, village hunters, and vigilante groups, according to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikodem.
According to the statement, the command arrested some suspected kidnappers at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma and Rabiu Mohammed Bello, aged 31 years.
The suspects are: Mohammed Lawal, aged 62 years; Ashiru Ibrahim, aged 35 years; Abubakar Umoru, aged 30 years; and Umoru Ali, aged 35 years.
Recovered from the suspects are two locally fabricated dane guns and four mobile phones.
After rescuing a 58-year-old, Monday Adero, who was kidnapped on his way to his farm on January 22, 2026, the police arrested one of his kidnappers, Gehi Ibrahim, aged 24 years, who is currently in custody and will be prosecuted.
Also, Odion Isideh, Isideh F., and Mercy Isideh F., who were kidnapped from their residence at Dr. Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma, were rescued in the bush.
Furthermore, on January 26, policemen attached to Ewu Division, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, rescued a kidnapped couple at Igun Forest, Agbede,
Five suspected kidnappers—Nura Ibrahim (22), Suleiman Aruna (23), Usman Abubakar (30), Mohammed Abubakar (32), and Isah Ibrahim (27)—were arrested in connection with the dastardly act.
Items recovered from them include eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine empty shells, five Android phones, and one Qlink motorcycle.
In another development, the Command arrested 14 suspected cultists.
The cultists are: Promise Oyido, aged 18 years, Jude Usidebhosoh, aged 38 years, Mutairu Alhaji, aged 23 years, Samson Usidehofo (40), Collins Esaigbe (22), Osemudiamen Iyere (26), Christian Akhare (28), Evidence Osamare (28), Joshua Augustine (25), Kelvin Micheal (21), Goddey Anuka (35), Blessed Ohue (24), Joseph Okhun (27), and Charles Okhare (34).
According to the police, they were arrested following a violent disturbance suspected to be cult-related.
“The incident occurred during a burial ceremony when suspected cult members hijacked a corpse and attacked two commercial motorcyclists, inflicting grievous injuries. Police operatives swiftly intervened, restored normalcy, and recovered 11 cutlasses, one dagger knife, and one shovel as exhibits. The injured victims were taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for medical attention, while the investigation continues”, the statement stated.
