Police nab two suspected kidnappers after escaping previous arrest in Edo

Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers who had earlier escaped arrest during the exchange of fire in one of the joint bush combing rescue operations in the State.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this in a statement dated Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the suspects were arrested on January 28, 2026 at about 1:30pm by operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty along the Auchi–Igarra Highway.

She gave the names of the suspects as Muhammed Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.

She said the suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during an exchange of fire in one of the joint bush combing rescue operations.

The Command’s spokesperson added that upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested.

She said the investigation is still ongoing and progress is being made on the incident.

Ikoedem also disclosed that operatives of the same Igarra Division foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi-Igarra express road.

She said the kidnapping operation was foiled on Monday, February 2, 2026, at about 5pm by the patrol team from the Igarra Area Command.

According to her, the patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.

“The suspects fled into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects”, she said.

She added that sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

She stated that the feats in the fight against kidnapping were recorded through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police in the Command, Monday Agbonika.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism and reassured the public of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.

Agbonika urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

Police nab two suspected kidnappers after escaping previous arrest in Edo