Police arrest suspected kidnapper in Edo

Monday, February 9, 2026 - Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper following a gun duel with armed criminals during a bush-combing operation in Ekpoma, Edo Central Senatorial District.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation was carried out in the early hours of Saturday at the Ekeke Forest area of Ekpoma.

She explained that the exercise formed part of sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks across the state.

According to her, police operatives worked in synergy with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest corridor.

The statement read, “In furtherance of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks across the state, operatives of Ekpoma Division, at about 7:00 am on February 7, 2026, carried out a coordinated bush-combing operation within the Ekeke Forest axis of Ekpoma.

“The team, led by the Divisional Police Officer, advanced into the forest but came under armed resistance from the suspects, which resulted in a gun duel.

“Through effective tactical deployment, one suspect, Usman Abdulkarim, 27, was isolated and arrested, while other members of the gang escaped deeper into the bush with their arms.

“A thorough sweep of the area led to the recovery of three mobile phones, two ropes and N3,000.”

In a related development, two other suspects reportedly fled into nearby vegetation after sighting advancing operatives at the Era Bush area, abandoning a red Boxer motorcycle with registration number USS 95 AWR.

Ikoedem said the recovered items had been registered as exhibits, while the arrested suspect remains in custody.

She added that intensive follow-up operations and a manhunt were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover their firearms.

The command reiterated its commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Security operations have been intensified in Ekpoma and surrounding areas following recent protests by residents over rising kidnapping incidents. Authorities have since deployed drones and other surveillance equipment, while daily bush-combing exercises have reportedly led to multiple arrests and a reduction in cases.