Suspects earlier fled during gunfight as police intensify bush-combing operations along Auchi–Igarra corridor

The men of the Nigeria police officers, Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers who previously escaped during a gun duel with security operatives in one of the joint bush-combing rescue operations in the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and made available to journalists in Benin City on Wednesday, February 4.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on January 28, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m. by officers attached to the Igarra Area Command while on routine patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway.

The arrested suspects were identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna.

Police said a member of a local vigilante group recognised the duo as part of a notorious kidnapping gang that had earlier engaged security forces in a gunfight during a joint bush-combing operation, where they managed to escape.

Upon being identified during the patrol, the suspects reportedly attempted to flee into the bush but were swiftly chased, arrested, and taken into custody. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and progressing steadily.

ASP Ikoedem further revealed that operatives of the same Igarra Division foiled another kidnapping attempt along the Auchi–Igarra Expressway on Monday, February 2, 2026, at about 5 p.m.

She said the patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were allegedly making moves to barricade the road before abducting motorists.

“The suspects fled into the forest after a vigorous chase, abandoning items suspected to be tools for criminal operations, including food supplies, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects,” she stated.

She added that sustained bush-combing and search operations are currently underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson stressed that the successes recorded against kidnapping in the area were the result of proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations in line with the crime-fighting strategy of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

Commending the officers involved, CP Agbonika praised their alertness and professionalism, while reassuring residents of Edo State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring public safety.