The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, was part of ongoing joint clearance efforts aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across the state.
The Edo State Police Command has led a joint security operation deep into the Agbede Forest in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, resulting in the arrest of six suspected kidnappers during a daring night raid.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, was part of ongoing joint clearance efforts aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across the state.
The statement announcing this development was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, and released on Thursday.
According to the Police Command, the raid followed a “critical intelligence breakthrough” provided by a kidnapped victim who was able to clearly identify the forest camp where he had been held captive.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, personally led a formidable joint team into the forest under the cover of darkness.
The team comprised operatives 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 familiar with the terrain.
In a statement issued by the Command, the police said the operation underscored “the resolve of synergised security forces to confront crime at its roots.”
The joint team reportedly travelled for approximately three hours to reach the last accessible motorable road leading into the forest.
From there, operatives continued the operation on foot, navigating dense forest paths and crossing three locally constructed wooden bridges in order to reach the identified camp.
The silent advance, which lasted close to two additional hours, was carefully coordinated to maintain tactical surprise and prevent any compromise of the mission.
“At about 3:45 a.m., the operatives arrived at the location and swiftly cordoned off the area in a well-coordinated encirclement, effectively cutting off all escape routes,” the police said.
A thorough sweep of the camp led to the arrest of six suspects. They were identified as Mikel Gendaga ‘M’, aged 41 years, from Benue State; Yusuf Abubakar ‘M’, aged 34 years, from Kano State; Isyaka Abraham ‘M’, aged 30 years, from Kogi State; Isyaka Abubakar ‘M’, aged 37 years, from Kano State; Mohammed Sumo ‘M’, aged 20 years, from Kano State; and Mohammed Abubakar ‘M’, aged 25 years, also from Kano State.
The police command disclosed that the suspects are currently being profiled and subjected to intensive investigation by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin City, ahead of diligent prosecution.
Describing the operation as a clear message to criminal elements, the Commissioner of Police commended the courage, discipline, and seamless inter-agency collaboration displayed by all personnel involved.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination “to take the fight against organised crime to the abode of suspected criminals at their most remote locations,” warning that “Edo State forests will no longer serve as safe havens for criminals.”
The police further assured residents that sustained intelligence-led operations would remain a key strategy in securing lives and property across the state.
The Edo State Police Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical to the success of crime-fighting efforts.