The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers who had earlier escaped arrest during a joint security operation in the state. The arrest is part of renewed efforts by security agencies to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime along major highways and rural communities in Edo State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement dated Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The statement was made available to journalists in Benin City on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested on January 28, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m. by operatives of the Igarra Area Command while on routine patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, a route that has witnessed several security incidents in recent times.
ASP Ikoedem identified the suspects as Muhammed Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.
She explained that the two men were earlier linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area and had previously escaped during an exchange of gunfire with security forces in one of the joint bush-combing and rescue operations carried out by the police and other security agencies.
According to her, the breakthrough came when a member of a local vigilante group, who was familiar with the suspects, spotted and identified them during the patrol.
“The suspects were identified by a vigilante member as members of a kidnapping syndicate who had earlier escaped during an exchange of fire in one of the joint bush-combing rescue operations,” ASP Ikoedem said.
She added that once the suspects realised they had been recognised, they attempted to flee into the nearby bush in a bid to escape arrest again. However, police operatives acted swiftly and intercepted them before they could escape.
“They were quickly intercepted and arrested by the patrol team,” she said.
The police spokesperson confirmed that investigations into the activities of the suspects were still ongoing, adding that progress was being made to uncover other members of the gang and their operations.
Kidnapping has remained a major security concern in Edo State, particularly along highways linking the northern and southern parts of the state. Routes such as the Auchi–Igarra Road have often been targeted by criminal groups who take advantage of forested areas to carry out attacks and escape.
In recent months, the Edo State Police Command has stepped up patrols, intelligence gathering, and joint operations with vigilante groups and other security agencies to curb the menace.
ASP Ikoedem also disclosed that operatives of the Igarra Division recorded another success by foiling a planned kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road.
She said the incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., when a patrol team from the Igarra Area Command noticed suspicious movement along the road.
According to her, the patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road, a common tactic used by kidnappers to stop vehicles and abduct passengers.
Upon sighting the police, the suspects reportedly fled into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning several items believed to be meant for criminal activities.
“The suspects fled into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations,” she said.
Items recovered from the scene included food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects. The police believe the items may provide useful information that could help track down the fleeing suspects.
ASP Ikoedem said sustained bush-combing operations were ongoing in the area to arrest the suspects who escaped.
The police spokesperson noted that the recent achievements were the result of proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and surrounding communities.
She said the operations were in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika.
Edo State, like many other states in the country, has faced serious security challenges in recent years. Kidnapping for ransom has become a major threat, affecting travellers, farmers, and residents of rural communities.
The situation has forced security agencies to rely more on intelligence gathering, community policing, and cooperation with local vigilante groups to improve response time and prevent crimes before they occur.
Reacting to the latest arrests, CP Monday Agbonika commended the officers involved for their vigilance, courage, and professionalism.
He said the successes recorded showed that the command was committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police has commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism,” the statement said. “He reassures members of the public of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.”
CP Agbonika also urged residents to remain alert and support the police by providing timely and useful information.
He called on members of the public to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security agency.
Residents of communities along the Auchi–Igarra corridor have welcomed the recent actions by the police, saying they feel safer seeing increased patrols and security presence.
A commercial driver who frequently uses the road said, “We have been living in fear, especially in the evenings. Seeing police patrols gives us some confidence.”
Another resident said, “The arrest of these suspects shows that the police are serious. We hope they will continue like this.”
As investigations continue, the Edo State Police Command has assured the public that it will not relent in its efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore confidence on major roads and communities across the state.
The command has also warned criminals operating in Edo State to either abandon their activities or face the full weight of the law.
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