The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three suspected kidnappers and neutralized one during a fierce gun battle in the Eguaholor forest area of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
Operation Details
According to a statement released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, by the command's spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the suspects were identified as Bright Junior from Agbor, Salisu Abubakar from Kano, and Momodu James from Auchi. They were linked to multiple kidnapping incidents and other violent crimes across the state.
The police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, conducted the early morning operation on Sunday, successfully rescuing an abducted victim without injury.
The operation was initiated following intelligence received at approximately 6:30 a.m., prompting a rapid response from officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ehor Division, together with members of the Edo State Security Corps.
Breakthrough in Anti-Kidnapping Efforts
The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, has achieved another significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes in the state. The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the rescue of 56-year-old Saturday Enakhimon, who had been kidnapped on May 13, 2026, in Igueben. He has been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The suspects arrested include Bright Junior, 25, from Agbor, Delta State; Salisu Abubakar, 27, from Kano State; and Prince Momodu James, 27, from Auchi, Edo State. James was fatally shot during the exchange of fire.
Recovered Exhibits
Items recovered from the suspects include one motorcycle, one cut-to-size gun, one Android phone, cash amounting to eight hundred thousand Naira (N800,000), three touch light phones, three empty shell cartridges, two lighters, three ATM debit cards, one cigarette pack, one wallet, one toothpaste, one motorcycle key, one Glo SIM card, and one identity card.
Commissioner's Commendation
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the operatives and the local vigilante team, whose collaborative efforts led to the successful operation. He reassured residents that the Edo State Police Command remains relentless, battle-ready, and fully committed to eliminating criminal elements from every part of the state.
The command further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.
