A combined team of security operatives has arrested six suspected kidnappers in Edo State.
The suspects were arrested in the forest in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin.
Ikoedem said the suspects were arrested following a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, and local hunters.
She said the operation led the combined team of security personnel into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness, leading to the arrest of six suspects identified as Mikel Gendaga, Yusuf Abubakar, Isyaka Abraham, Isyaka Abubakar, Mohammed Sumo and Mohammed Abubakar.
The statement said, “In continuation of the joint clearance operations, a meticulously executed night operation that underscores the resolve of synergised security forces to confront crime at its roots was conducted.
“The Edo State Police Command, in the early hours of Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, carried out a daring raid deep within 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 decisively on this lead, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, personally led a formidable joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness.
“Demonstrating precision and determination, the joint team drove for approximately three (3) 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 locally constructed wooden bridges to reach the identified camp.
“The silent advance, which lasted close to an additional two hours, ensured tactical surprise and prevented any compromise of the mission.
“Upon arrival at the location at about 3:45 a.m., the area was swiftly cordoned off in a well-coordinated encirclement, effectively cutting off all escape routes, a thorough sweep of the camp resulted in the arrest of the six suspects.”
Ikoedem said the suspects are currently being profiled and subjected to intensive investigation by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Benin City, for diligent prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Monday Agbonika has described the operation as a clear message to criminal elements.
Agbonika commended the courage, discipline, and seamless inter-agency collaboration displayed by all personnel involved.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to take the fight against organised crime to criminals at their most remote locations and warned that Edo State forests will no longer serve as safe havens for criminals.
The CP equally urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
