The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and killed one alleged kidnapper in connection with the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road, Benin City.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
According to the statement, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team arrested 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac on June 18 during a gun battle. Another suspect, identified only as Precious, was shot dead during the operation.
Police recovered a red Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, allegedly used in the kidnapping, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, ₦2.05 million in cash and a motorcycle.
Further operations on June 20 led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael. The arrests were made in separate operations across Benin City and parts of Delta State.
The police said the suspects confessed to their roles in the kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo State.
Commissioner Agbonika commended the officers involved in the operation, describing their efforts as professional and timely. He assured residents that the command would continue to pursue criminal networks operating in the state.
The command also urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations.
The victim was abducted on June 14 while shopping with her husband and children at the Vegetable Market. Witnesses said armed men stormed the market and forced her into a vehicle before fleeing the scene. A video shared on social media after the incident captured a witness describing the abduction as the first kidnapping she had personally witnessed.
