Edo Police Nab Suspected Kidnapper In Ewu Forest Raid, Launch Manhunt For Armed Gang Members

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Police Mobile Force Base 82, Uromi, have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a tactical operation along the Ewu–Auchi Road in Edo State.

The Edo State Police Command disclosed that the operation was carried out on May 17, 2026, following credible intelligence from a concerned resident over suspicious movements of suspected kidnappers within a forest in the area.

According to the Command, the suspects fled into the bush immediately they sighted the Police, prompting a fierce chase by operatives which led to the arrest of one Mohammed Zaradeen Saleh, 18, while three other gang members escaped.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising the area.

Police further disclosed that the suspect confessed that two fleeing members of the gang identified as Musa Shedau and Abdulmumini are armed with firearms.

The Command said efforts are currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the weapons in their possession.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended residents for providing timely intelligence that aided the operation.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies through the Community Safety Partnership Initiative by volunteering useful information capable of helping the Police combat crime across the state.

The statement was signed by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem.