By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes across the state following intensive intelligence-driven operations carried out over the weekend, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and cultists, rescue of abducted victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, According to the statement, the operations were part of sustained efforts by the Command to suppress criminal activities and strengthen public safety.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, operatives of the Command, led by CSP Sunday Ehimare and working with hunters and vigilante groups, carried out a bush-combing exercise along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu following credible intelligence on suspected hoodlums hiding in the forest.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the security team, but were forced to flee after the Police responded with superior firepower. An AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, a drone-assisted operation led by CSP Solomon Oseghale was conducted at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma. Four suspected kidnappers—Mohammed Lawal (62), Ashiru Ibrahim (35), Abubakar Umoru (30) and Umoru Ali (35)—were arrested, while other accomplices escaped into the forest. Two locally fabricated dane guns and four mobile phones were recovered. The suspects will be arraigned upon completion of investigations.
In Okpella, a 58-year-old farmer, Monday Adero, who was kidnapped on January 22, 2026, while heading to his farm, was successfully rescued during a joint operation involving Police, vigilantes and hunters at the Uluoke forest axis. The kidnappers fled after a gun duel, during which one suspect sustained a gunshot injury. The injured suspect, later identified as Gehi Ibrahim (24), was tracked through intelligence and arrested. The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to a medical facility.
The Command also rescued three persons abducted on January 23, 2026, from their residence at Dr. Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma. Acting on a distress call, operatives led by the Area Commander, Ekpoma, ACP Olayemi Jacob, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security partners, carried out intensive bush operations that forced the suspects to flee. The victims—Odion Isideh, Mrs. Isideh and Mercy Isideh—were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
In another intelligence-led operation at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West Local Government Area, a suspected kidnapper, Rabiu Mohammed Bello (31), was arrested following reports of armed herders in the area. Other suspects reportedly fled with their livestock and weapons. The suspect is currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, Police operatives in Uromi arrested 14 male suspects following a violent, cult-related disturbance during a burial ceremony, where a corpse was hijacked and two commercial motorcyclists were attacked. Eleven cutlasses, one dagger and one shovel were recovered, while the injured victims were taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In a related development, operatives attached to Ewu Division on January 24, 2026, rescued a kidnapped couple from Igun Forest, Agbede, following a distress call from Ochodo Community.
Five suspects were arrested, and items recovered included eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine empty shells, five Android phones and a Qlink motorcycle.
Commending the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, praised the professionalism and synergy among security operatives and community partners, noting that the deployment of technology such as drones has enhanced operational efficiency.
He reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustained patrols, bush-clearance operations and intelligence-led policing.
