The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of the kidnapping incident that occurred at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026, with the arrest of four suspects and the death of one alleged kidnapper during a gun battle with operatives.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The police said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) acting on credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of one of the principal suspects, identified as Marvelous Isaac, 32, on June 18, 2026.
The operation, according to the command, resulted in a gun duel during which another suspect identified simply as Precious was killed.
The statement noted that several items linked to the kidnapping operation were recovered from the suspects.
Items recovered included a Lexus RX 350 Sports Utility Vehicle with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which the suspects allegedly used during the operation, one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a cash sum of ₦2.05 million and a motorcycle.
The police further revealed that subsequent operations carried out on June 20 led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate.
The suspects were identified as Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.
According to the command, the suspects were apprehended during separate operations conducted in Benin City and parts of neighbouring Delta State.
The police said all four suspects have made confessional statements linking themselves to the kidnapping incident and other criminal activities within Edo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and commitment in dismantling the criminal network.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to tracking down all criminal elements and ensuring that those involved in violent crimes are brought to justice.
Agbonika also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing security operations.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and security conscious while cooperating with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.
The kidnapping incident occurred on June 14 when a woman was reportedly abducted at the busy Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim had visited the market with her husband and children when armed men stormed the area and forcefully took her away.
A video that circulated on social media after the incident showed a woman claiming to have witnessed the abduction.
“Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped,” she said in the viral clip.
The incident generated widespread concern among residents and renewed calls for enhanced security around markets and other public places across the state.
