Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old suspected kidnapper, identified as Usman Abdulkarim.
The suspect was arrested through a coordinated bush combing operation on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m, within the Ekeke forest axis of Ekpoma, in the Esan West Local Government Area of the State.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
Ikoedem said the operation was carried out by operatives of Ekpoma Division in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups, following actionable intelligence on the presence and movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest corridor.
She explained that on advancing into the forest, the operatives came under armed resistance from the suspects, leading to a gun duel.
She added that through effective tactical deployment, terrain dominance, and superior maneuvering, the suspect was isolated and arrested within the forest, while other members of the gang escaped deeper into the bush with their arms.
The Command’s spokesperson listed items recovered from the suspected kidnappers’ immediate area to three mobile phones of various brands, two ropes and the sum of N3000.
She also added that two suspected kidnappers abandoned a red Boxer motorcycle with registration number USS 95 AWR on sighting the advance of security operatives at the Erha bush axis and fled into the surrounding vegetation.
Ikoedem said intensive follow-up operations and a manhunt are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover their firearms
She said all recovered items have been secured and registered as exhibits, while the arrested suspect is currently in custody.
The police image maker in the state reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property across the State.
