Six suspected kidnappers have been arrested inside Agbede Forest in Estako West Local Government Area, Edo State, following a forest clearance operation targeting kidnappers’ hideouts. The operation was conducted after a kidnapped victim provided intelligence that helped identify the forest camp where he had been held.
Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, directed a joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters to carry out the operation under the cover of darkness. The team trekked two hours through dense forest paths after driving as far as accessible roads allowed.
The suspects were apprehended around 3:45 a.m. after the area was cordoned off, preventing any escape. They were identified as Mikel Gendaga, 41, Yusuf Abubakar, 34, Isyaka Abraham, 30, Isyaka Abubakar, 37, Mohammed Sumo, 20, and Mohammed Abubakar, 25.
Ikoedem stated that the suspects are currently undergoing profiling and intensive investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Benin City to ensure diligent prosecution.
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