The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid carried out in Aviele, located in Etsako West Local Government Area within the Edo North Senatorial District.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday. She added that ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds was recovered during the operation, alongside uniforms belonging to the Nigerian Army and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
According to her, the operation took place on March 2 at about 2:45 a.m. after intelligence reports suggested that the location was being used for kidnapping operations.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid after midnight on 2nd March, 2026, at about 02:45hrs.
“Acting on credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted at a 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.
“The operation led to the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers and recovery of exhibits which included, ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as uniforms and kits of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating items.
“No casualty was recorded. 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.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s determination to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the state.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with useful information to help combat crime.
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that police operatives in the state arrested three members of a suspected kidnap syndicate while recovering the body of one of their victims.
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, shortly after Ighasa regained her freedom on February 9, while Oghenekome was later found dead inside the kidnappers’ hideout.
