Operatives from the Edo State Police Command have successfully apprehended 113 suspects who were allegedly in the process of collecting ransom for kidnappings in a forested area of Edo State. This operation was a coordinated effort involving not only the police but also the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and hunters. The arrests occurred during a strategic raid across various locations within the Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly targeting known bases of criminal activity related to kidnapping.

The police commissioner, Monday Agbonika, stated that the raid was initiated based on credible intelligence indicating that these suspected kidnappers had gathered to collect ransom and possibly merge back into the civilian population. Following this intelligence, forces targeted specific zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen, resulting in the detention of a significant number of suspects. Authorities are now conducting thorough profiling of these individuals to determine their specific roles and involvement in the kidnapping operations.

Commissioner Agbonika emphasized the commitment of the police to combating armed groups and reinforcing security in the area. He indicated that those found guilty of participating in these criminal activities would not escape prosecution, as the police aim to deter such incidents through sustained monitoring and operations in the forests where these groups are known to operate. This incident reflects ongoing concerns regarding kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, highlighting the collaborative efforts of security agencies to address a growing crisis.