The Edo State Police Command has recorded further breakthroughs in the ongoing investigation into the kidnap of Dr. Abu Babatunde, following a series of arrests made through sustained intelligence-led operations in Auchi and its surrounding areas.
The first major breakthrough occurred on February 3, 2026, when operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, carried out a routine bush-combing operation at Warake Forest based on actionable intelligence. During the operation, one Saminu Kawujie ‘M’ was intercepted.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, one UBA ATM card, and the sum of ₦20,250. An identification parade was subsequently conducted at the police station, during which the suspect was positively identified as one of the abductors of Dr. Babatunde.
In a related development, on February 8, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer, acting on further intelligence linked to the same case, mobilised operatives to the Specialist Hospital, Auchi, where two additional suspects, Idris Abubakar ‘M’ and Sani Abubakar ‘M’, were arrested at the hospital premises.
Both suspects were identified as members of the kidnapping gang responsible for abducting Dr. Babatunde on January 2, 2026. Idris Abubakar was specifically identified as the individual who received the ransom money paid for the release of the victim.
The Police Command stated that efforts have been intensified to conduct a comprehensive and discreet investigation aimed at dismantling the entire organised criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassured members of the public of the Command’s resolve to pursue all kidnapping cases to their logical conclusion and bring all perpetrators to justice. He further emphasized that aggressive bush-combing operations and intelligence-driven policing will continue across the state.
Members of the public can reach the Command through the following lines:
Emergency Control Room: 08077773721, 08037646272
Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335
Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992
ASP Eno Ikoedem
Police Public Relations Officer
Edo State Command
February 8, 2026
