Edo Police Command Rescues Kidnapped Victims and Apprehends Eight Suspects in Security Operations
The Edo State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, successfully rescuing a farmer and his two wives while arresting eight suspected kidnappers. This operation was conducted through targeted intelligence and coordinated bush combing exercises in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Areas.
Intelligence-Led Operations Yield Results
According to ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command's spokesperson, these successes form part of sustained security measures ordered by Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika. The objective is to disrupt criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the state. The operations demonstrate the police's commitment to proactive policing and community safety.
Detailed Operation Timeline and Discoveries
The coordinated efforts began on Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m. Police tactical teams, supported by the drone unit, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante members, carried out bush-combing operations in Idoha/Ewu Forest and other identified hideouts.
During this exercise, authorities discovered three tents suspected to be kidnappers' camps. This led to the arrest of eight suspects:
- Jokoro Sali, aged 52 years
- Buhari Ibrahim, aged 32 years
- Isah Abubakar, aged 35 years
- Shehu Ibrahim, aged 25 years
- Abdullahi Samar, aged 18 years
- Ibrahim Shaibu, aged 19 years
- Mohammed Joro, aged 22 years
- Suleiman Sunana, aged 35 years
Police recovered five mobile phones suspected to belong to kidnapped victims, and investigation continues to uncover the rest of the syndicate.
Rescue Mission for Farmer and His Wives
On Thursday, 29th January, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., authorities received a distress call from Egoro Amende Community in Ekpoma. The report indicated the abduction of a farmer and his two wives from their farm in a remote area of the community.
The victims were identified as Abraham Udewa, Brinda Abraham, and Anna Abraham, all originally from Benue State. The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division promptly led a joint rescue team comprising police personnel, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and community youth volunteers from the Community Safety Partnership program.
Successful Rescue and Recovery of Items
An intensive search was conducted across Egoro Amende Forest, Igbira Farm Settlement, and Ekeke Erah Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. Upon sighting the advancing security operatives, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled the scene.
The victims were rescued unhurt, and security forces recovered several items from the scene, including:
- Cutlasses
- A solar panel
- Torch
- Canvas
- Rope
- Palm oil
- A face cap
Continuous monitoring and follow-up bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Commitment and Public Partnership
The Edo State Police Command has reaffirmed its resolute commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting critical infrastructure, and dismantling organized criminal networks within the state. Authorities emphasize the importance of community partnership in maintaining security.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information that will aid proactive policing efforts. This collaborative approach between security forces and communities remains essential for sustainable security in Edo State.
