In a combined raid in Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, with members of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, the Edo State Command apprehended six alleged kidnappers. 

Eno Ikoedem, the command's spokesperson, said in a statement on Thursday that the operation was started after a kidnapped victim made a crucial intelligence discovery by identifying the jungle camp where he was being held captive. 

The night operation, she said, demonstrated the security forces' determination to address the underlying causes of crime.

The statement read in part, “The Edo State Police Command, in the early hours of Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, carried out a daring raid deep in the Agbede Forest, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of six suspects.

“The operation was launched following a critical intelligence breakthrough provided by a kidnapped victim who was able to clearly identify the forest camp where he had been held captive.

“Acting on this lead, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, personally led a formidable joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness.

“The joint team drove for approximately three hours until the end of the last accessible motorable road. From that point, the operatives advanced on foot, navigating dense forest paths and crossing three to four locally constructed wooden bridges to reach the identified camp.

According to Ikoedem, members of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin are currently profiling the suspects and conducting a thorough investigation in order to prosecute them. 

The Commissioner of Police praised the bravery, discipline, and interagency cooperation shown by all staff involved, characterizing the operation as a clear message to criminal elements.

Source