Police nab kidnappers identified from previous gun battle in Edo

By Ayox Ojo

Police operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Igarra area of Edo State identified as Muhammed, Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.

The suspects were arrested after they were identified by a vigilante on January 28 by operatives of the Igarra Area Command along the Auchi–Igarra Highway,ASP Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for Edo Command said in a statement

“The suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations. Upon recognition, the suspects, attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress,” Ikoedem said.

The Edo police command spokesperson also revealed that police operatives on patrol foiled attempted kidnapping by a three- man gang on Monday, 2 February 2026 at about 5 pm along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road.

According to Ikoedem, police operatives on patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.

Ikoedem said members of the kidnapping gang were thus forced to flee into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for their criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects.

“Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,”

Ikoedem described the feats as “significant successes in the fight against kidnapping through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika.”

The spokesperson also quoted Agbonika as commending the officers for their vigilance and professionalism and reassuring the public of the Command’s resolve to rid Edo state of criminal elements.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency lines,” the statement concluded.