By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Police have successfully secure the conviction of four kidnappers and rescued five kidnapped victims in Edo State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Moses Joel, Edo State Police PRO, which stated that, “The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc wishes to inform the general public of significant successes recorded in its ongoing operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensure the protection of lives and property while strengthening collaboration with local communities, vigilante groups, and other security stakeholders through the Community Safety Partnership initiative.
“1. ARREST AND CONVICTION OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS
On 23rd September, 2025, at about 1000hrs, following distress call by vigilant members of the community along Uromi–Igueben Road, by Eko-Ibadin Junction, operatives of the Uromi Division in synergy with local vigilantes apprehended four (4) suspected kidnappers later identified as:
i. Muritala Abdullahi, aged 33 years
ii. Nasiru Rabiu, aged 40 years
iii. Yahaya Ibrahim, aged 38 years
iv. Abdulmalik Salihu, aged 27 years
Upon arrest, the suspects were searched, and the following items were recovered from them:
i. Three (3) ATM cards
ii. Four (4) SIM cards
iii. Ten (10) used SIM packs
iv. One (1) pair of CJTF uniform
v. One (1) dagger
vi. One (1) cutlass
v. Charms and some wraps of suspected hard drugs
The suspects were transferred to the appropriate unit for discreet investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, they were charged to court and have since been convicted for their offences.
“2. BUSH COMBING AND JOINT RESCUE OPERATIONS
In continuation of the Command’s aggressive onslaught against kidnapping, on 14th October, 2025, at about 0735hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Iguobazuwa Division, led a well-coordinated joint rescue operation involving operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and other relevant stakeholders.
The operation, which covered Morgan Forest, Michelin Forest, and other areas within the axis, was intelligence-driven and meticulously executed.
The exercise resulted in the successful rescue of four kidnapped victims, namely:
i. Augustine Cecilia (F), 45 years
ii. Augustine Okaira (M), 57 years
iii. Mary Friday (F), 38 years
iv. Okpaiso Comfort (F), 67 years
All the victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
“3. RESCUE OF ANOTHER KIDNAPPED VICTIM
In a separate but related development, on the same date, 14th October, 2025, at about 0900hrs, the Command received credible information that one Faith Odine Osaghale (F), aged 39 years, had been kidnapped along Idegun Farm Road, Amedokhian.
On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Amedokhian Tactical Division, swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives, vigilante members, and local hunters. The team trailed the suspects along the Idegun Railway Track, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.
The hoodlums, faced with the superior firepower of the police, abandoned their victim and fled into the bush. The victim was rescued safely and unhurt.
“4. ARREST OF SUSPECTS WITH SUPPLIES MEANT FOR SUSPECTED CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN THE FOREST
On 15th October, 2025 at about 2030hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Ekpoma Division led by the Divisional Police Officer in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, intercepted and arrested two suspects:
i. Rabiu Shehu (m), 27years and
ii. Hashiru Yusuf (m), 28years along Illeh Road, Ekpoma, while they were heading towards the forest through the pipeline route.
The suspects were arrested with one Qlink motorcycle bearing registration number KWC 014 QV, and found in possession of food items and a power bank. Upon interrogation, they confessed that the items were given to them by one Medisara Idris (m), aged 35yrs, to deliver to a certain herdsman inside the forest.
Preliminary investigations has commenced and case will be transferred to the appropriate unit for further investigation with a view to uncovering the full network behind the activity and bringing all involved to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, commends the gallantry, professionalism, and prompt response of the Divisional Police Officers and their teams involved in these successful operations. He also acknowledges the vital role of community members, local hunters, and the Edo State Security Corps for their unwavering cooperation and intelligence support.
The Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining the fight against criminal elements across Edo State and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.
Members of the public are enjoined to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.”
