Police Nab 65 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover N1.85m Ransom, Military Gear in Edo Raid
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation in Aviele community, recovering N1.85 million believed to be ransom proceeds alongside Military uniforms and other incriminating items.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the Police, the arrests followed a midnight raid carried out on March 2, 2026, at about 2:45 a.m., after intelligence reports indicated that suspected kidnappers were operating from hideouts within the community.
The statement explained that the operation targeted locations around Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele after security agencies linked ransom negotiation activities to the area through intelligence gathering and technical analysis.
Tactical teams from the State Police Headquarters worked in collaboration with operatives from the Auchi and Ekpoma Area Commands to storm the suspected hideouts.
The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 65 suspects, while security operatives also recovered N1,850,000 cash believed to be part of ransom payments made by kidnapping victims’ families.
Police authorities further disclosed that military uniforms and kits belonging to the Nigerian Army were also recovered during the raid, raising concerns that some criminal elements may be impersonating security personnel while carrying out kidnapping operations.
No casualties were recorded during the operation.
The suspects, along with the recovered items, have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Benin City, where they are currently undergoing further investigation to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities across the state.
Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and swift response to intelligence reports.
He reiterated the command’s determination to dismantle kidnapping networks and other criminal syndicates operating within the State.
The Police boss also appealed to residents to continue supporting Security Agencies by providing credible information that could assist in combating crime.
Global Mirror News reports that Security Agencies across several parts of Nigeria have intensified operations against kidnapping gangs in recent months as authorities move to curb the rising wave of abductions in some regions of the Country.
