Edo Police Command arrests 65 suspected kidnappers, recovers ransom money, others

Crime Diary

Benin City, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — In a major breakthrough against kidnapping, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers and recovered ransom money along with military uniforms during a coordinated raid in the Aviele axis of the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the operation was carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on March 2, 2026, following credible intelligence reports.

The statement explained that tactical teams from the State Headquarters, working in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma, stormed hideouts at Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele after surveillance and technical analysis linked ransom negotiations to the area.

“The operation led to the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers and the recovery of exhibits, including the cash sum of ₦1,850,000 reasonably suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as Nigerian Army uniforms, kits, and other incriminating items,” the Command said.

ASP Ikoedem further noted that the suspects are currently undergoing discreet investigations to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities.