Authorities apprehend Nigerian national over abduction in Edo state

The Edo State Police Command has taken a Nigerien national into custody in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, in connection with a string of kidnapping incidents, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in the region.

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This development follows intensified operations launched by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in response to a surge in kidnapping reports across the state, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirming the arrest.

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According to the Police, on February 17, 2026, at approximately 1800hrs, operatives from the Ubiaja Division made the arrest of Suleman Harruna, a 28-year-old Nigerien national residing in Kaba, Kogi State, acting on technical intelligence.

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Suleman Harruna, who was already on the Command's wanted list, was identified by members of the Hausa/Fulani community as a key member of a notorious kidnapping gang, and has since made confessions, cooperating with police investigations.

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In a separate operation on February 20, 2026, at about 1750hrs, Ibrahim Kodo, a 25-year-old from Illushi Community, was taken into custody in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, after a kidnapped victim identified him as one of the armed men involved in a kidnapping incident on June 2, 2025.

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Furthermore, on February 26, 2026, at approximately 0900hrs, Orsee Iorzaa, a 32-year-old from Omi Camp, Illushi, was apprehended through intelligence-led surveillance, after a victim identified him as part of a five-man gang that invaded his home on February 21, 2026.

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Ongoing investigations aim to recover weapons and apprehend other gang members, with the police working tirelessly to bring all those involved to justice.

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ASP Ikoedem revealed that the Commissioner of Police has commended the Ubiaja Division team for their professionalism, urging residents to continue providing credible information to help eliminate criminal elements from the state.