Police neutralise suspect, arrest four in vegetable market kidnap
The Edo State Police Command has neutralised one suspect and arrested four others in connection with the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market in Benin City on June 14, 2026. The victim was abducted in the presence of her husband and children and rescued 48 hours later.
According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on June 23, 2026, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) acted on credible intelligence to launch a coordinated operation. This led to the arrest of Marvelous Isaac, 32, during a gun duel. Another suspect, identified only as Precious, was killed in the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include a Lexus RX 350 SUV (registration number EKP 848 AE, red) used in the kidnapping, one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, N2,050,000 in cash, and one motorcycle.
Further arrests and confessions
On June 20, 2026, the operatives arrested three additional members of the syndicate: Gift Raphael, female, 27; Wisdom Michael, male; and Rufus Michael, male. The arrests were made during separate operations in Benin City and parts of Delta State. All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the vegetable market incident and other criminal activities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, promptness, and dedication. He assured residents that the police will not stop until all criminal elements are brought to justice.
The command urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information and to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times.
