BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a notorious kidnap suspect in a dramatic operation inside a bustling local market in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest was made on Monday afternoon following credible intelligence received by officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit of the Edo State Police Command. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, had been on the police wanted list in connection with multiple abductions and violent crimes across the South-South region.
According to police sources, the suspect was tracked to the Ekehuan Market area where he had blended in with traders and unsuspecting shoppers. He was swiftly apprehended without any exchange of gunfire, although the operation drew the attention of marketgoers who reportedly fled in panic.
Upon search, operatives recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, a dagger, and a small quantity of Indian hemp concealed in the suspect’s satchel. Preliminary investigations also revealed the suspect’s alleged involvement in a notorious kidnapping ring responsible for the abduction of commuters along the Benin-Ore Expressway.
Speaking on the development, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the arrest and praised the vigilance of officers involved in the operation.
“This arrest underscores our renewed commitment to ridding Edo State of criminal elements. The suspect will be thoroughly interrogated, and we are optimistic that this breakthrough will lead to the dismantling of a wider criminal network,” SP Nwabuzor said.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, particularly in public places such as markets, parks, and motorways.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
