Police arrest 65 suspects in Edo kidnap raid
The Edo State Police Command has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers in a major operation in Aviele, Etsako West. The raid, which involved tactical teams from multiple commands, led to the recovery of ₦1.85 million, believed to be ransom proceeds, and Nigerian Army uniforms. Eno Ikoedem, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and noted that investigations are ongoing. Commissioner Monday Agbonika praised the police teams and urged public cooperation in fighting crime.
What happened
- The police raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area.
- The operation, carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on March 2, 2026, resulted in the arrest of 65 suspects.
- ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom money and Nigerian Army uniforms were recovered.
- No casualties were reported during the raid, and the suspects are being investigated at the State Headquarters in Benin City.
- Earlier, three suspected kidnappers were arrested after the kidnapping of Edafe Oghenekome and Favour Ighasa on February 4, 2026; Oghenekome was later found dead, while Ighasa regained freedom on February 9, 2026.
