Edo Police Arrest 65 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover ₦1.85m Ransom in Aviele Raid
Otamere Gladness 
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Edo State Police Command has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦1.85 million believed to be ransom proceeds, along with Nigerian Army uniforms and other incriminating items, during a midnight raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, the raid was carried out on March 2, 2026, at about 2:45 a.m. after security operatives received credible intelligence indicating that suspected kidnappers had been sighted around Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele.
Further technical analysis reportedly linked the area to ongoing ransom negotiation activities, prompting a coordinated security operation.
Tactical teams from the State Police Headquarters worked in collaboration with operatives from Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma to storm the identified hideouts.
Police authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the operation.
All 65 suspects and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Benin City for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks operating across the state and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 