Edo Police Command Arrests 2 Suspected Kidnappers

Police in Edo State have arrested two suspected kidnappers who had earlier escaped arrest during the exchange of fire in one of the joint bush combing rescue operations in the State.
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‎The Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin City.
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‎According to her, the suspects were arrested on January 28, 2026 at about 1:30pm by operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty along the Auchi–Igarra Highway.
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‎She gave the names of the suspects as:  Muhammed Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.
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‎Ikoedem said the suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during an exchange of fire in one of the joint bush combing rescue operations.
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‎The Edo Police Command’s spokesperson added that upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested, adding that investigation is still ongoing and progress is being made on the incident.
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‎Ikoedem further disclosed that operatives of the same Igarra Division foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi-Igarra express road.
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‎According to her, the kidnapping operation was foiled on Monday, February 2, 2026, at about 5pm by the patrol team from the Igarra Area Command, informing that the patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.
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‎She revealed that sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
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‎She also stated that the feats were recorded through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police in the Command, Monday Agbonika.
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‎In the same vein, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism and reassured the public of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
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‎Agbonika also enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and swiftly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.