Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested no fewer than 65 suspected kidnappers during a coordinated midnight raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested during the operation carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on March 2, 2026, at Zango and Max Square properties in the community.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, March 6, 2026, and made available to journalists in Benin City.
Ikoedem said the suspects were arrested by tactical teams from the State Headquarters in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma.
She explained that acting on credible intelligence, suspected kidnappers were sighted at a Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele, and with further technical analysis linking ransom negotiation activities to the area, the operatives stormed the identified hideouts and arrested the suspects.
She added that during the raid N1.8 cash suspected to be ransom proceeds, uniforms and kits of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects.
While stating that no casualty was recorded, she said the suspects and exhibits have been moved to the State Headquarters, Benin City.
The Command’s image maker added that the suspects are undergoing discreet investigations to ascertain their level of involvement in kidnapping.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism.
Agbonika reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks across the state just as the Command continues to seek the support and cooperation of the general public.
