The Edo State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old girl, Obehi Odine, for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of N10 million from her family. In a related operation, the police also arrested 11 other suspects believed to be members of an organised kidnapping syndicate operating within the state.
The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed that several dangerous weapons and other items were recovered during coordinated security operations across parts of Edo State.
According to the police, the teenage girl deliberately planned and executed a fake abduction in order to extort money, adding to growing concerns about false kidnapping reports and the strain they place on security resources.
In a statement, the police said, “A suspect, one Obehi Odine ‘F’, aged 18, was arrested for staging her own kidnap and demanding a ransom of N10 million. She has confessed to the crime, admitting that the incident was deliberately fabricated to extort money.”
The command did not immediately disclose how the staged kidnapping was discovered, but sources said inconsistencies in the report and intelligence gathering helped security operatives uncover the truth. The police added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether other persons were involved in the fake abduction plot.
The incident comes at a time when kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria. In recent years, several families have been forced to sell property or borrow money to secure the release of loved ones abducted by criminals hiding in forests and remote areas.
The police said that while efforts are being intensified to tackle real kidnapping cases, fake reports like the one allegedly staged by Odine undermine the fight against crime and divert attention from genuine emergencies.
Beyond the arrest of the teenage girl, the Edo State Police Command announced a major breakthrough against suspected kidnappers following a large-scale operation in the Ubiaja area of the state.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Ubiaja personally led a coordinated bush-combing operation around Akwocha Camp and nearby forest corridors. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and the Edo State Security Corps.
The police explained that the operation followed intelligence gathered through air surveillance conducted by a drone squadron. The surveillance reportedly identified a concealed forest enclave believed to be used as a kidnapping camp and logistics base by criminals.
Acting on the intelligence, security operatives stormed the area, leading to the arrest of 11 male suspects. The police described the suspects as members of an organised kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities in the area.
“This resulted in the arrest of 11 male suspects believed to be members of an organised kidnapping syndicate,” the statement said.
During the operation, a large cache of weapons and other items was recovered. According to the police, the exhibits include 24 Dane guns, 17 cutlasses, three battle axes, gunpowder, torchlights, mobile phones, solar panels, assorted charms, one motorcycle, and the sum of N209,700 in cash.
The discovery of the weapons has raised fresh concerns about the level of armament among criminal groups operating in forests across Edo State. Security experts say such weapons are often used to intimidate victims and resist law enforcement operations.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, described the arrests as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across the state. He warned members of the public against making false kidnapping reports or engaging in any form of deception.
According to Agbonika, false kidnapping reports waste critical security resources, divert attention from genuine cases, create unnecessary fear among the public, and weaken trust in security agencies.
“Anyone caught will be prosecuted accordingly,” the police commissioner warned.
Agbonika also urged residents of the state to support the police by providing timely and credible information that can help prevent crime or lead to the arrest of suspects.
Edo State has witnessed a mix of kidnapping incidents, armed robbery, and other crimes in recent years, especially along highways and in forested areas. In response, the state government and security agencies have increased collaboration, including the use of drones, joint patrols, and community-based intelligence.
The arrest of the teenage girl for staging her own kidnapping has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some expressed shock that a young person could attempt such an act, others said it reflects the pressure many families face due to economic hardship and the widespread awareness of ransom payments.
However, security officials insist that fake kidnapping cases will not be tolerated, stressing that such actions can delay response to real victims who may be in life-threatening situations.
Community leaders in the Ubiaja area have welcomed the police operation, saying the presence of kidnappers in nearby forests has caused fear and disrupted farming and trading activities. They called on the authorities to sustain the momentum and ensure that arrested suspects are properly prosecuted.
As investigations continue, the police said all suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations. The command also assured residents that efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements will not relent.
The Edo State Police Command has repeatedly advised residents to verify information before spreading it and to report suspicious movements promptly. Officials say public cooperation remains key to improving security and preventing crime.