In a daring midnight operation deep inside a notorious forest enclave, a joint security task force led by the Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers following a meticulously planned raid in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.
The high-risk operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, saw security operatives penetrate the dense Agbede Forest after actionable intelligence from a recently rescued kidnap victim who identified the exact location of the gang’s camp.
Leading the operation personally, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, mobilised a combined force of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters in a coordinated night assault designed to achieve maximum tactical surprise.
The joint team reportedly travelled for about three hours to the last accessible motorable point before embarking on a gruelling foot journey through thick forest terrain. Operatives navigated narrow paths and crossed three locally constructed wooden bridges during a near two-hour silent advance to avoid detection.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., the camp was completely surrounded, cutting off all possible escape routes. A comprehensive sweep of the area led to the arrest of six suspects identified as Mikel Gendaga (41) from Benue State; Yusuf Abubakar (34) from Kano State; Isyaka Abraham (30) from Kogi State; Isyaka Abubakar (37) from Kano State; Mohammed Sumo (20) from Kano State; and Mohammed Abubakar (25) from Kano State.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin City, where they are currently undergoing intensive profiling and investigation ahead of prosecution.
Commending the professionalism and bravery of the operatives, CP Agbonika described the raid as a strong signal to criminal networks operating within the state. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to take the fight against organised crime directly to its strongholds, warning that forests across Edo State will no longer provide sanctuary for criminals.
The Police Command also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that sustained, intelligence-driven operations remain central to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The operation was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
