Police arrest Nigerien for kidnapping in Edo

2026-03-09 - 01:57

By Ozioruva Aliu BENIN CITY—The Edo State Police Command has arrested a Nigerien national in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, in connection with kidnapping activities. The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrest followed intensified operations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in response to rising reports of kidnappings across the state. According to the statement, on February 17, 2026, at about 1800hrs, operatives of Ubiaja Division, acting on technical intelligence, arrested Suleman Harruna, 28, a Nigerien national residing in Kaba, Kogi State. Suleman, previously on the Command’s wanted list, was identified by members of the Hausa/Fulani community as part of a notorious kidnapping gang. He has made confessions and is assisting police investigations. On 20th February 2026 at about 1750hrs, another suspect, Ibrahim Kodo, 25, of Illushi Community, was arrested in collaboration with the Nigerian Army. A kidnapped victim identified him as one of three armed men involved in a kidnapping incident on June 2, 2025.Similarly, on February 26, 2026, at about 0900hrs, Orsee Iorzaa, 32, of Omi Camp, Illushi, was apprehended through intelligence-led surveillance. A victim identified him as one of a five-man gang that invaded his home on 21st February 2026. Investigations are ongoing to recover weapons and apprehend other gang members. ASP Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police commended the Ubiaja Division team for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to help rid the state of criminal elements.