Suspected Kidnappers Arrested as Edo Police Foil Highway Abduction

The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and foiled a separate abduction attempt along the Auchi–Igarra Highway in Edo North.

The suspects, identified by a local vigilante as members of a kidnapping syndicate, were apprehended during a patrol. In a statement on Wednesday, Public Relations Officer Eno Ikoedem said the arrests were part of intelligence-driven operations in Igarra and surrounding areas, in line with directives from Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika.

On 28 January 2026, officers of the Igarra Area Command arrested 35-year-old Muhammed Muamadu Haru and 25-year-old Abubakar Muhammed Haruna at a known criminal “nipping point” along the highway. The suspects attempted to flee into the bush during the joint rescue operation but were quickly intercepted. Investigations are ongoing.

In a separate incident on 2 February 2026, a motorcycle patrol prevented another kidnapping along the same highway. Three suspects escaped into the forest, leaving behind mobile phones, food, jack knives, and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities. Police are conducting bush-combing operations to apprehend the fugitives.

CP Agbonika commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the police’s commitment to eradicating criminal networks. He urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity to nearby police stations or emergency hotlines.

Earlier operations by the Edo State Police had led to the arrest of 13 suspected kidnappers and vandals, with three abductees rescued. These efforts are part of a wider strategy to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe havens in the state.

Benita Ibrahin