The Edo State Police Command has arrested 113 suspected kidnappers in Edo North and Edo Central.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, on Thursday.
The statement read, “In a daring, intelligence-driven operation carried out in the early hours of Thursday, at about 03:00hrs, the Edo State Police Command, under the decisive and result-oriented leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, launched a massive joint security sweep across strategic locations in Edo Central.
“Acting on credible intelligence that ransom proceeds from kidnapping activities were being discreetly received and coordinated at identified ‘Zangos’ in Agbede and Iruekpen, the Commissioner of Police personally led a formidable joint task force comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups, and local hunters in a synchronised enforcement action.
“Coordinated raids on the identified zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen were carried out, where actionable intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators converge to receive ransom payments, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public.
“The raids yielded the arrest of 113 suspects. All suspects are currently undergoing thorough profiling to ascertain their level of involvement.”
The PPRO said those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Command’s onslaught against organised kidnapping networks would remain relentless and uncompromising.
He said the police would not only target armed elements in the forests but would also intensify efforts to degrade their financial and human support systems across the state.
He further called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Agbonika said the Edo State Police Command remained firm, proactive, and battle-ready to safeguard lives and property, warning that there would be no sanctuary for kidnappers or their collaborators anywhere in the state.
The PUNCH reported that gunmen killed a high-ranking palace chief in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, and abducted two of his daughters.
The victim, Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi, was reportedly attacked at his residence on Monday night.
Sources said the assailants stormed the house and shot the chief at close range. His wife was also attacked with machetes and other dangerous weapons, leaving her seriously injured.
One of the deceased’s sons, Lucky, said he had stepped out to purchase an item when the attack occurred.
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