Edo Police nab two suspected kidnappers, foil fresh abduction attempt in Igarra

The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers who had previously evaded arrest during a gun duel with security operatives in the course of a joint bush-combing rescue operation in the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement dated Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Benin City.

According to Ikoedem, the suspects were arrested on January 28, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m. by operatives of the Igarra Area Command while on routine duty along the Auchi–Igarra Highway.

She identified the suspects as Muhammed Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.

She explained that the duo was identified by a member of a local vigilante group as part of a kidnapping syndicate that had earlier engaged security operatives in an exchange of gunfire during one of the joint bush-combing operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims.

“Upon recognition, the suspects attempted to flee into the bush, but they were swiftly intercepted and arrested by the operatives,” Ikoedem said, adding that investigations into the case are ongoing and progressing steadily.

In a related development, the police spokesperson disclosed that operatives of the same Igarra Area Command also foiled another kidnapping attempt along the Auchi–Igarra Expressway.

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She said the operation was thwarted on Monday, February 2, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. when a patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were allegedly preparing to block the highway.

According to her, the suspects fled into the forest after a hot pursuit, abandoning items believed to be logistics for criminal operations. The recovered items included food supplies, mobile phones, jack knives and other personal effects.

Ikoedem noted that sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, stressing that the successes recorded were the result of proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs.

She said the efforts were in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has commended the officers involved for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to duty.

He reassured residents of the Command’s determination to rid Edo State of criminal elements and urged members of the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.