THE Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and neutralized one alleged kidnapper in connection with the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who said the arrests followed an intensive investigation and intelligence-led operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
According to the statement, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Marvelous Isaac, on June 18 during a gun battle.
Another suspect, identified only as Precious, was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
Police said several items were recovered during the operation, including a red Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, believed to have been used in the kidnapping, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, ₦2.05 million in cash, and a motorcycle.
The command further revealed that additional suspects were apprehended on June 20. They include Gift Raphael, 27, whose arrest reportedly led investigators to Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael during separate operations carried out in Benin City and parts of Delta State.
Investigators said the suspects had made statements linking themselves to the kidnapping and other criminal activities within Edo State.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police praised their professionalism, bravery, and commitment in dismantling the criminal network.
He also assured residents that the command would continue efforts to bring all criminal elements to justice.
The police appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information while remaining vigilant and security-conscious.
The abduction occurred on June 14 when a woman who had visited the popular Vegetable Market with her husband and children was reportedly seized by armed men and taken away.
The incident drew widespread attention after a video circulated online showing a witness recounting the abduction, describing it as the first kidnapping she had personally witnessed.
