The Edo State Police Command has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, adding that ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds and uniforms of the Nigerian Army were recovered during the operation.
According to her, the raid was carried out on March 2 at about 2:45 a.m. following intelligence reports linking the area to kidnapping activities.
Ikoedem said the operation was conducted after credible intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers were operating from locations identified as Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele.
She explained that tactical teams from the state headquarters, in collaboration with operatives from Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma, stormed the hideouts after further technical analysis linked ransom negotiation activities to the area.
“The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid after midnight on March 2, 2026, at about 02:45 hours.
“Acting on credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted at Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele, and further technical analysis linking ransom negotiation activities to the area, tactical teams from the state headquarters, in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma, stormed the hideouts,” she said.
The police spokesperson said the operation led to the arrest of 65 suspects and the recovery of several exhibits.
She listed the items recovered to include ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as uniforms and kits of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating materials.
Ikoedem noted that no casualty was recorded during the operation, adding that the suspects and recovered items had been moved to the State Police Headquarters in Benin City for further investigation.
“The suspects and exhibits have been moved to the State Headquarters, Benin City, and are undergoing discreet investigations to ascertain their level of involvement in kidnapping,” she added.
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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks across Edo.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information to help combat crime in the state.
Meanwhile, the police had earlier arrested three members of a suspected kidnap syndicate in the state while the corpse of one of their victims was recovered.
The victims, Edafe Oghenekome, 42, and Favour Ighasa, were abducted from their residence on February 4, 2026.
The incident was reported to the police on February 11, two days after Ighasa regained her freedom on February 9, while Oghenekome was later found dead in the kidnappers’ hideout.