Security operatives bust kidnappers in Edo forest raid

The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers during a joint operation with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation followed a major intelligence breakthrough from a kidnapped victim who identified the forest camp where he was held.

She said the night raid showed the determination of security agencies to tackle crime at its source.

The statement read in part, “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 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 this lead, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, personally led a formidable joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness.

“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.

“Upon arrival at the location at about 3:45 a.m., the area was swiftly cordoned off, effectively cutting off all escape routes. A thorough sweep of the camp resulted in the arrest of six suspects identified as: Mikel Gendaga ‘M’, aged 41 years, from Benue State; Yusuf Abubakar ‘M’, aged 34 years, from Kano State; Isyaka Abraham ‘M’, aged 30 years, from Kogi State; Isyaka Abubakar ‘M’, aged 37 years, from Kano State; Mohammed Sumo ‘M’, aged 20 years, from Kano State; and Mohammed Abubakar ‘M’, aged 25 years, from Kano State.”

Police said the suspects are currently being profiled and undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin, ahead of prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police commended the joint team for their courage and collaboration, warning that forests in Edo will no longer serve as safe havens for criminals.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring that intelligence-led operations will be sustained to protect lives and property