The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers during a routine patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway in Edo North.
The arrest was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who said the suspects were identified by a vigilante member as part of a kidnapping syndicate.
According to the statement, operatives of the Igarra Area Command arrested the suspects on January 28, 2026, at about 1:30pm while on duty at a security checkpoint along the highway.
The suspects were named as Muhammed Muamadu Haru, 35, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna, 25.
Police said the suspects were recognised during a joint bush-combing rescue operation where there had been an exchange of gunfire.
“Upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested,” the statement said, adding that investigations are still ongoing.
In a separate incident, the police also revealed that another kidnapping attempt was foiled on Monday, February 2, 2026, around 5:00pm along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road.
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A motorcycle patrol team reportedly intercepted three suspects who were allegedly preparing to block the road. The suspects escaped into the forest, leaving behind items believed to be tools for criminal activities.
Recovered items included food, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal belongings. Police said bush-combing operations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, praised the officers involved for their alertness and professionalism, assuring residents that the command remains committed to flushing out criminals across the state.
He also advised the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station or through emergency lines.
