BENIN CITY: Joint security operatives in Edo State have arrested 113 suspected kidnappers and their collaborators during a coordinated early-morning operation in Agbede and Iruekpen communities.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, said the arrests followed intelligence-driven raids on settlements believed to be operational and financial hubs for kidnapping activities.
The operation, conducted around 3 a.m., involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and local hunters. Operatives acted on credible intelligence that ransom payments were being coordinated within the communities.
“The coordinated raids targeted locations where suspects received ransom payments, regrouped, and blended with unsuspecting members of the public,” Ikoedem said.
The 113 suspects are undergoing screening and profiling to determine their roles in kidnapping and related crimes. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantle kidnapping networks, stressing that operations will also target individuals providing logistical and financial support.
“The command’s onslaught against organised kidnapping networks will remain relentless, and those found culpable will face prosecution,” Ikoedem added.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information, which will be treated confidentially.
