Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have intensified their crackdown on suspected kidnappers, resulting in the arrest of one suspect after a gun battle inside a forest.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, explaining that the operation took place on February 7 at the Ekeke Forest axis of Ekpoma in Edo Central.
According to her, the operation was a joint effort involving the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups, following credible intelligence on the activities and movements of suspected kidnappers within the forest area.
The statement read, “In furtherance of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks across the state, operatives of Ekpoma Division, in the early hours of 07/02/2026 at about 0700hrs, carried out a coordinated bush-combing operation within the Ekeke Forest axis of Ekpoma.
“The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, with a tactical team comprising police operatives working in synergy with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups, following actionable intelligence on the presence and movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest corridor.
“On advancing into the forest, the operatives came under armed resistance from the suspects, leading to a gun duel. Through effective tactical deployment, one suspect, Usman Abdulkarim, ‘M’, aged 27 years, was isolated and arrested within the forest, while other members of the gang escaped deeper into the bush with their arms.
“A thorough sweep of the immediate area resulted in the recovery of three mobile phones, two ropes and ₦3,000.”
In a separate incident, two suspected kidnappers reportedly fled upon sighting approaching security operatives at the Era Bush axis, abandoning a red Boxer motorcycle with registration number USS 95 AWR before disappearing into nearby vegetation.
Ikoedem stated that all recovered items have been properly secured and documented as exhibits, while the arrested suspect remains in custody. She added that intensive follow-up operations and a manhunt are underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover their weapons.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to proactive, intelligence-based policing to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Following a recent protest in Ekpoma that escalated into a riot over kidnapping activities in the area, the police, alongside other security agencies, have sustained operations against criminal hideouts using drones and other advanced technological tools.
Bush-combing exercises have now become routine, leading to multiple arrests and a noticeable decline in kidnapping incidents across the state.
PUNCH Online also reports that eight suspected kidnappers and drug traffickers were arrested by troops of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Edo State Security Corps.
The suspects were apprehended on February 4 during a clearance exercise tagged “Operation Igbo Danu,” according to a statement released on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kennedy Anyanwu.
Anyanwu explained that the operation was aimed at flushing out terrorists and kidnappers, as well as rescuing victims in Osara Community in Etsako West Local Government Area, including Auchi and Okpella communities in Edo North Senatorial District.