The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of the Edo North Senatorial District.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that N1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, along with uniforms of the Nigerian Army and other incriminating items, were recovered during the operation.
According to her, the raid was carried out in the early hours of March 2 at about 2:45 a.m. following intelligence reports linking the area to kidnapping activities.
She said the command recorded a major operational breakthrough after acting on credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were operating around Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele.
Ikoedem explained that further technical analysis had also linked ransom negotiation activities to the location, prompting a coordinated operation by tactical teams from the state headquarters in collaboration with operatives from Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma.
The teams subsequently stormed the suspected hideouts, leading to the arrest of the 65 suspects.
She added that the operation also led to the recovery of N1.85 million believed to be ransom proceeds, as well as uniforms and kits belonging to the Nigerian Army and other items considered incriminating.
The police spokesperson noted that no casualty was recorded during the operation.
According to her, the suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Benin City, where discreet investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks across the state and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to combat crime.
