Edo: Police carry out midnight raid, arrest ‘65’ suspected kidnappers
The Edo state police command says it has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers following a coordinated midnight raid in Aviele, Edo state.
In a statement issued on Friday, Eno Ikoedem, the command’s public relations officer, said the raid was carried out at about 2:45 am on March 2.
Ikoedem said police officers recovered several items from the suspects, including ₦1,850,000 believed to be ransom proceeds, as well as Nigerian Army uniforms, military kits and other incriminating materials.
“Acting on credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were sighted at a Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele, and further technical analysis linking ransom negotiation activities to the area, tactical teams from the State Headquarters in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma stormed the identified hideouts,” the statement reads.
“No casualty was recorded. The suspects and exhibits have been moved to the State Headquarters, Benin City, and are undergoing discreet investigations to ascertain their level of involvement in kidnapping.”
Monday Agbonika, the Edo state commissioner of police, praised the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s “unwavering commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks across the State as the command continues to seek the support and cooperation of the general public”.
