113 potential kidnappers were detained in a single day in the state, according to the Edo State Police Command.
According to reports, this was revealed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement given to reporters on Thursday, 26, 2026 in Benin City.
In a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the NSCDC, vigilante groups, and local hunters, Ikoedem reported the suspects were taken into custody in “Zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at around three in the morning.
The detained individuals are presently being thoroughly profiled to determine their degree of involvement, she said.
According to her, the suspects and their accomplices were apprehended at designated Zango communities in Agbede and Iruekpen, where they gathered to obtain ransom money.
According to the statement, the Edo State Police Command, led by the decisive and results-driven Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, launched a massive joint security sweep across strategic locations in Edo Central at approximately 0300 hours on February 26, 2026, as part of a bold, intelligence-driven operation.
“Taking action based on reliable information that ransom money from kidnapping operations was being secretly collected and organized at designated “Zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen.”
In a coordinated enforcement action, the Commissioner of Police personally oversaw a strong combined task force that included members of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the NSCDC, vigilante groups, and local hunters.
“When actionable intelligence revealed that suspected kidnappers and their associates congregate to accept ransom money, reassemble, and blend in with unwary members of the public, coordinated raids were conducted on the designated Zango communities in Agbede and Iruekpen.
One hundred thirteen (113) suspects were apprehended as a result of the targeted raids. To determine their level of involvement, all accused are presently undergoing extensive profiling.
She declared that those found guilty would be subject to the full force of the law.
In the meantime, Monday Agbonika, the State Commissioner of Police, has reaffirmed that the Command will continue its unrelenting and uncompromising campaign against kidnapping organized networks.
Agbonika stressed that in addition to targeting armed elements in the forests, the police will step up their efforts to weaken their human and financial support networks throughout the state.
Nevertheless, he urged citizens to maintain their vigilance and to keep giving security services accurate and timely information, promising that all intelligence will be handled with the utmost discretion.
As he issued a warning that there would be no haven for kidnappers or their accomplices anywhere in Edo State, he asserted that the Command is still resolute, aggressive, and prepared for fight to protect people and property.
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