The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and killed one alleged kidnapper in connection with the abduction incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on 14 June 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who said the arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations launched after the incident.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika.
Police operation and arrests
The police said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team moved swiftly after receiving actionable intelligence and recorded a major breakthrough.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team launched a coordinated operation,” the statement said.
Police said the first suspect, 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac, was arrested on 18 June during an exchange of gunfire, while another suspect identified simply as Precious was shot dead during the operation.
Following Mr Isaac’s arrest, further investigations led operatives to additional members of the alleged criminal syndicate.
On 20 June, police arrested 27-year-old Gift Raphael, who reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael during separate operations conducted within Benin City and parts of Delta State.
Police said all suspects made confessional statements linking themselves to the kidnapping incident and other alleged criminal activities across the state.
Exhibits recovered
Items recovered during the operation included:
- One Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE allegedly used for the operation
- One pump-action shotgun
- Two live cartridges
- Cash sum of ₦2.05 million
- One motorcycle
Police said investigations remain ongoing.
Commissioner commends operatives
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika praised officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism, courage and swift response.
Mr Agbonika assured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information while remaining security conscious.
Incident background
The kidnapping incident occurred on 14 June at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City.
According to earlier reports, the victim had visited the market with her husband and children when armed men allegedly stormed the area and abducted her.
A witness in a video circulated online described the moment as shocking.
“Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped,” the woman said.
The incident triggered public concern over security in commercial areas across the city.
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