The Edo State Police Command has caught four suspects and killed one in connection with the kidnapping at the Vegetable Market in Benin on June 14, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, Eno Ikoedem, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said three suspects were caught on June 20. This brings the total arrests to four, while one suspect was killed during the operation.
The statement said, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation. This operation led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on June 18, 2026, in a gun duel, while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralized in the process.
“Items recovered from the suspects included one Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which was confessed to have been used in the kidnapping operation; one pump-action shotgun; two live cartridges; a cash sum of ₦2,050,000; and one motorcycle.
On June 20, 2026, the operatives arrested more members of the crime gang. They caught Gift Raphael, female, 27 years; who led to the arrests of Wisdom Michael, male, and Rufus Michael, male, during separate operations in Benin City and parts of Delta State.
All suspects have admitted their roles in the kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
The Commissioner of Police praised the operatives for their professionalism, courage, quick action, and dedication in tracking down the criminal group. He assured Edo State residents that the police will not stop until all criminals are brought to justice.
The command also encouraged the public to keep supporting the police with timely and credible information. They urged people to stay alert and conscious of their security at all times.
The PUNCH reported that a woman was abducted while shopping on June 14 at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City. She was with her husband and children when gunmen came and took her away.
In a video going around online, a woman who claimed to have seen the incident described it as a kidnapping, saying, “Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped.”
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