Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers during a routine patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway in Edo North, as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the area.
The suspects, identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru, 35, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna, 25, were apprehended by operatives of the Igarra Area Command on January 28 at about 1:30 p.m.
The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the suspects were identified by a vigilante member as members of a kidnapping syndicate previously sighted during a joint bush-combing rescue operation.
According to the statement, the suspects attempted to flee into the bush upon being recognised but were swiftly intercepted and arrested.
“Investigation is ongoing,” the police added.
In a related development, the command said its motorcycle patrol team on February 2 foiled another suspected kidnapping attempt along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road.
The patrol team reportedly intercepted three armed suspects who were allegedly preparing to block the road before they fled into a nearby forest after a hot pursuit.
Items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food supplies, mobile phones and jack knives, were recovered at the scene.
Police said sustained bush-combing operations were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.
He urged members of the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The development follows earlier operations in the state during which 13 suspected kidnappers and vandals were arrested and three abductees rescued, as part of intensified measures to dismantle criminal networks.
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