In a coordinated effort, the Edo State Police Command, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, has successfully apprehended 10 suspected kidnappers operating in the Eko Uwaya forest, near Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in the safe rescue of a woman who had been abducted by the suspects.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Ekpoma Division received credible intelligence regarding the activities of armed men who had kidnapped a woman in the area. The suspects had taken their victim deep into the forest and were demanding a N10 million ransom for her release.
As negotiations for the ransom were underway, the police mobilized a joint team comprising local vigilantes and hunters to conduct a thorough search of the forest. This collaborative effort proved successful, leading to the discovery of the kidnapped woman and the arrest of 10 individuals identified as her abductors. The rescued woman was able to positively identify some of the suspects as those involved in her kidnapping.
ASP Ikoedem confirmed that all arrested suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit of the state police command for further investigation, profiling, and subsequent prosecution. The Edo State Police Command continues to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens and remains committed to combating criminal activities within the state.
