Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State have arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a coordinated midnight operation in Aviele community, marking one of the largest crackdowns on kidnapping networks in the State in recent times.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of March 2, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected kidnappers were operating from hideouts located at Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper reveal that tactical teams from the State Headquarters collaborated with officers from the Area Commands in Auchi and Ekpoma to storm the identified locations after technical analysis linked ransom negotiation activities to the area.
The carefully coordinated raid, which took place at about 2:45 a.m., led to the arrest of 65 suspects believed to be connected to kidnapping operations in the area.
During the operation, police recovered the sum of ₦1,850,000 suspected to be ransom proceeds, alongside military uniforms and kits belonging to the Nigerian Army, as well as other incriminating items.
Security sources disclosed that the use of military-style uniforms by criminal elements has become a growing concern, as it is often deployed to deceive victims and evade suspicion during operations.
All suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City for further investigation to determine the extent of their involvement in kidnapping activities.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, stressing that the Command remains determined to dismantle kidnapping syndicates across the State.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against crime.
Authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded during the raid as investigations continue to unravel the suspected criminal network.
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