10 suspected kidnappers arrested in Edo, victim rescued

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim during a targeted operation in the state. The suspects were apprehended during a joint security raid in the Eko Uwaya forest, located in the Ekpoma area of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State. The command’s spokesperson, SP […]

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim during a targeted operation in the state.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint security raid in the Eko Uwaya forest, located in the Ekpoma area of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Eno-Obong Ituen, said operatives of the Ekpoma Police Division received intelligence reporting that armed men had abducted a woman in the area.

According to the police, the victim was taken deep into the Eko Uwaya forest, where the kidnappers subsequently demanded a N10 million ransom.

During the ransom negotiations, the police, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, mobilized a search party and moved into the bush to track the abductors.

“The search paid off as the woman was rescued unhurt, while 10 of the kidnappers were arrested within the forest,” Ituen said.

She further explained that the rescued victim was able to identify several of the suspects as the individuals who had dragged her into the forest.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit for profiling and subsequent prosecution.