Police raid kidnappers’ hideout in Edo, arrest 65

Police raid kidnappers’ hideout in Edo, arrest 65

The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area, in the Edo North Senatorial District.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that ₦1.85m suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as uniforms of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating items were recovered during the operation.

According to her, the raid was carried out on March 2 at about 2:45 a.m. following intelligence reports linking the area to kidnapping activities.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid after midnight on 2nd March, 2026, at about 02:45hrs.

“Acting on credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted at a Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele, and further technical analysis linking ransom negotiation activities to the area, tactical teams from the state headquarters in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma stormed the hideouts.

“The operation led to the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers and recovery of exhibits which included, ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as uniforms and kits of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating items.

“No casualty was recorded. The suspects and exhibits have been moved to the State Headquarters, Benin City, and are undergoing discreet investigations to ascertain their level of involvement in kidnapping.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks across the state.

He also called for continued support and cooperation from members of the public in the fight against crime.

Meanwhile, Correspondents had earlier reported that three members of a suspected kidnap syndicate were arrested by the police in the state while the corpse of one of their victims was recovered.

The victims, Edafe Oghenekome, 42, and Favour Ighasa, were kidnapped from their residence on February 4, 2026.

The incident was reported to the police on February 11, two days after Ighasa regained her freedom on February 9, while Oghenekome was found dead in the kidnappers’ den.