Police arrest suspected kidnapper after gun battle in Edo forest
A suspected kidnapper has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command after a gunfight in Ekpoma. The arrest took place during a bush-combing operation targeting kidnapping networks in the area. Eno Ikoedem, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said the operation involved collaboration with local security groups. Several items were recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
What happened
- Police, working with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes, conducted a bush-combing operation in the Ekeke Forest area of Ekpoma.
- The team encountered armed resistance from suspects, leading to a gun duel.
- One suspect, Usman Abdulkarim, 27, was arrested, while others escaped deeper into the bush.
- Recovered items included three mobile phones, two ropes, and N3,000; a red Boxer motorcycle was also abandoned by fleeing suspects in a related incident.
- Authorities have intensified security operations in Ekpoma and nearby areas, deploying drones and increasing patrols following recent protests over kidnapping incidents.
