Edo Security Forces Nab Six Suspected Kidnappers in Agbede Forest Night Raid
In a significant security breakthrough, joint forces comprising the Nigerian Army and Police have arrested six suspected kidnappers during a daring night raid in Edo State's Agbede Forest. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, was launched based on critical intelligence provided by a former kidnapping victim who identified the exact forest camp where he had been held captive.
Intelligence-Led Operation in Remote Forest Territory
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika personally led the joint team deep into Agbede Forest, located in Etsako East Local Government Area. According to police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem, the operation required extensive preparation and coordination among multiple security agencies.
The security contingent included personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters. The team embarked on a challenging three-hour vehicle journey before proceeding on foot through dense forest paths, crossing several locally constructed wooden bridges to reach the remote camp.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., the security forces successfully cordoned off the camp, preventing any escape attempts and apprehending all six suspects present at the location.
Identities of Apprehended Suspects
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Mikel Gendaga, 41-year-old male from Benue State
- Yusuf Abubakar, 34-year-old male from Kano State
- Isyaka Abraham, 30-year-old male from Kogi State
- Isyaka Abubakar, 37-year-old male from Kano State
- Mohammed Sumo, 20-year-old male from Kano State
- Mohammed Abubakar, 25-year-old male from Kano State
Police authorities confirmed that all suspects are currently undergoing profiling and investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin City, with prosecution expected to follow completion of the investigative process.
Security Leadership Issues Strong Warning
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika described the successful operation as a clear message to criminal elements operating within Edo State. "This raid demonstrates our unwavering commitment to taking the fight against organized crime directly to remote hideouts," Agbonika stated.
The police commissioner praised the courage and discipline displayed by the joint security team during the challenging operation. He particularly emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling complex security challenges, noting that such coordinated efforts would continue to be prioritized.
Agbonika issued a stern warning that Edo State forests would no longer serve as safe havens for criminal activities. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, assuring that intelligence-led operations would remain central to protecting lives and property across the state.
Broader Security Context in Edo State
This latest operation follows other recent security successes in the region. Earlier reports indicated that operatives of the Edo State Police Command had arrested two additional suspected kidnappers during a routine patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway in Edo North on January 28.
The continued security operations reflect an intensified approach to combating kidnapping and related criminal activities that have plagued various regions of Nigeria. The successful use of victim-provided intelligence in this case highlights the critical role that community cooperation plays in enhancing security outcomes.
Security analysts note that such coordinated, multi-agency approaches represent an evolving strategy in Nigeria's fight against kidnapping and banditry, particularly in forested areas that have traditionally provided cover for criminal operations.
