Police arrest two suspects, foil kidnap attempt in Edo
The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.
In a statement on Wednesday by the state command's PPRO, Eno Ikoedem, the suspects, were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The statement read, "The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant successes in the fight against kidnapping 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, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc.
"On 28 January 2026 at about 13:30hrs, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty at their traditional nipping point along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru ‘M’, aged 35 years, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna ‘M’, aged 25 years.
"The suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations.
"Upon recognition, the suspects, attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress.
In a related development on Monday, 2 February 2026, at about 17:00hrs, a convoy of motorcycle patrol team from the Igarra Area Command, foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road. The patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.
The suspects fled into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects. Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, commends the officers for their vigilance and professionalism and reassures the public of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency lines.
