Security operatives in Edo State have arrested three men suspected to be involved in a series of abduction incidents in the state.
The arrests were carried out in Ubiaja, a community that has recently witnessed growing concerns over criminal activities linked to kidnapping gangs.
The development was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command, which stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region.
According to authorities, the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks believed to be responsible for several abductions.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed details of the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday.
She explained that the crackdown followed directives from the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who ordered intensified security operations after reports of rising kidnapping in Edo communities.
According to the statement, the first suspect, Suleman Harruna, a 28-year-old citizen of the Niger, was arrested on February 17, 2026.
Harruna, who was residing in Kaba, had reportedly been on the police wanted list before his arrest.
Operatives from the Ubiaja Division tracked him down at about 6:00 p.m. through the use of technical intelligence and surveillance.
Authorities said the suspect had been under investigation for alleged involvement in Ubiaja kidnapping activities before he was finally apprehended.
During interrogation, police invited members of the Hausa and Fulani community to assist in verifying the suspect’s identity.
According to investigators, he was identified as a member of a notorious criminal group suspected of participating in several kidnapping operations in parts of Edo State.
Police sources said Harruna has since made useful confessions that are assisting ongoing investigations.
His statements, according to authorities, have helped detectives understand the structure and operations of the gang linked to repeated cases of kidnapping in Edo.
In another related operation, officers of the Nigeria Police Force working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army arrested a second suspect, Ibrahim Kodo, on February 20, 2026.
Kodo, 25, is a resident of Illushi. Investigators said his arrest came after a victim positively identified him as one of the armed men who abducted him months earlier.
The victim had reportedly been working on his farm on June 2, 2025, when three armed men emerged and kidnapped him.
Following months of investigation, police were able to track down one of the suspects linked to the Ubiaja kidnapping case.
Security operatives later carried out another intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of a third suspect, Orsee Iorzaa, aged 32.
He was apprehended on February 26, 2026, during a targeted surveillance operation in Omi Camp, located within the Illushi axis.
Police said a victim later identified Iorzaa as one of five armed men who invaded his residence on February 21, 2026.
According to the victim, the attackers stormed the house with firearms before abducting him and taking him to an unknown location.
Investigators believe the suspects may be part of a larger criminal syndicate responsible for several incidents of kidnapping in Edo communities.
Authorities noted that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who are still on the run.
The Edo State Police Command also stated that detectives are working to recover weapons allegedly used during the attacks, while gathering further evidence that could strengthen the case against the suspects.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika commended officers of the Ubiaja Division for their commitment and professionalism.
He noted that their persistence played a major role in the successful arrests of the kidnapping suspects.
Agbonika also reassured residents that the command remains determined to address the security challenges facing parts of the state.
He emphasised that the Edo Police will continue to intensify intelligence gathering and strategic patrols in vulnerable communities.
The police command further appealed to residents across Edo State to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information that could help law enforcement agencies prevent crime.
Authorities stressed that community cooperation is essential in tackling crimes such as kidnapping in Edo, adding that stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies will improve safety and help restore public confidence.
As investigations continue, the suspects are expected to face prosecution once the police conclude their inquiries and compile the necessary evidence for court proceedings.
Ireport247news
About The Author
