Security forces storm Edo Forest, arrest six suspected kidnappers

Security operatives in Edo State have dismantled a suspected kidnap hideout in Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area, arresting six alleged members of a kidnapping syndicate during a joint operation involving the police, military and other security agencies.

The Edo State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who said the operation was triggered by actionable intelligence supplied by a former victim of kidnapping.

According to the police, the victim was able to pinpoint the exact forest camp where he had been held, providing investigators with a crucial breakthrough.

“The Edo State Police Command, in the early hours of Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, carried out a daring raid deep in the Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of six suspects,” the statement said.

It added: “The operation was launched following a critical intelligence breakthrough provided by a kidnapped victim who was able to clearly identify the forest camp where he had been held captive.”

Acting on the information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally led a joint task force made up of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters.

“Acting on this lead, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, personally led a formidable joint team… into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness,” the statement noted.

The operatives reportedly travelled for about three hours before abandoning their vehicles at the last accessible road and proceeding on foot.

“The joint team drove for approximately three hours until the end of the last accessible motorable road. From that point, the operatives advanced on foot, navigating dense forest paths and crossing three to four locally constructed wooden bridges to reach the identified camp,” the police said.

Upon reaching the location around 3:45 a.m., security personnel sealed off the area to prevent escape.

“Upon arrival at the location at about 3:45 a.m., the area was swiftly cordoned off, effectively cutting off all escape routes,” the statement added.

A search of the camp led to the arrest of six suspects identified as Mikel Gendaga, 41, from Benue State; Yusuf Abubakar, 34, from Kano State; Isyaka Abraham, 30, from Kogi State; Isyaka Abubakar, 37, from Kano State; Mohammed Sumo, 20, from Kano State; and Mohammed Abubakar, 25, also from Kano State.

Ikoedem said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing profiling and intensive investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin ahead of prosecution.

Describing the raid as a strong warning to criminal groups, the Commissioner of Police praised the bravery and coordination displayed by all agencies involved.

He stressed that Edo forests would no longer provide refuge for criminals, reaffirming the Command’s resolve to pursue organised crime into the most remote locations.

The police chief also appealed to residents to remain alert and continue sharing timely and credible information, assuring that intelligence-led operations would remain central to efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.