The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping, following the arrest of 65 suspects during a coordinated security operation in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The development came after intelligence reports linked the area to ransom negotiations connected to several kidnapping incidents.
Acting on this information, operatives of the Edo police launched a carefully planned midnight raid that led to the capture of dozens of individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.
According to the command, the operation was carried out in the early hours of March 2 at Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele community.
Investigators had earlier traced suspicious communications and ransom-related activities to the area, prompting the security action.
Police authorities said the Edo police mobilized officers who conducted the raid in a coordinated manner to prevent suspects from escaping.
During the exercise, 65 individuals suspected to have links to kidnapping networks were taken into custody.
The police also recovered ₦1,850,000 during the operation. Investigators believe the money may have been part of ransom payments made by families of kidnapping victims in recent incidents.
In addition to the cash, officers discovered several items that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Among the materials recovered were uniforms and kits belonging to the Nigerian Army, as well as other items considered incriminating by security officials.
Authorities expressed concern about the discovery of military uniforms among the suspects, noting that such items could be used by criminals to impersonate security personnel while carrying out illegal activities.
Security experts say the use of military-style clothing has been a common tactic among kidnapping gangs attempting to deceive victims or avoid suspicion.
The police confirmed that the Edo police operation was completed successfully without any casualties.
No injuries were reported among security personnel, suspects, or residents in the area during the raid.
Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, DSP Eno Ikoedem, explained in an official statement that the arrests followed technical intelligence analysis that linked ransom negotiations to the Aviele axis of Etsako West.
She noted that investigators had been monitoring activities connected to the area before the operation was eventually carried out.
“The operation led to the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers and the recovery of ₦1,850,000 suspected to be ransom money.
“Military uniforms, kits, and other incriminating items were also recovered during the raid,” she stated.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects and all recovered exhibits have since been transferred to the state police headquarters in Benin City.
The Edo police said the suspects are currently undergoing detailed and discreet investigations to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities.
Investigators are also trying to establish whether the suspects are connected to larger criminal networks operating across different parts of Edo State and neighbouring regions.
Security analysts believe the arrests could provide valuable intelligence that may help law enforcement authorities identify additional members of kidnapping syndicates.
Kidnapping has remained a serious security challenge in many parts of Nigeria, with criminal groups targeting travelers, residents, and sometimes entire communities in search of ransom payments.
The Edo police have repeatedly stated their determination to tackle the problem through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with residents.
Reacting to the successful raid, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the officers who participated in the operation.
He commended their professionalism and dedication to duty, noting that their efforts contributed significantly to the success of the mission.
Agbonika reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo police to dismantling kidnapping networks across the state.
He emphasized that the command would continue to pursue criminals and strengthen strategies aimed at improving security in Edo communities.
The police commissioner also stressed the importance of public cooperation in combating crime.
According to him, information provided by residents often plays a key role in enabling security agencies to detect and disrupt criminal activities.
He therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or unusual activities within their communities.
Such information, he said, could help security agencies prevent crime and respond quickly to emerging threats.
Community leaders in the area have also welcomed the development, expressing hope that the arrests will help reduce criminal activities in the region.
Security officials believe the operation sends a strong message to criminal groups that law enforcement agencies remain committed to confronting kidnapping and other violent crimes.
As investigations continue, authorities say more details may emerge regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in kidnapping cases.
The Edo police have assured residents that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted according to the law.
