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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest four, kill one linked to Benin market kidnap

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Police in Edo State, Nigeria, arrested four suspects and killed one in connection with a market kidnapping.
  • The suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations and confessed to the crime.
  • Recovered items include a vehicle used in the kidnapping, a firearm, and a significant amount of cash.

Authorities in Edo State, Nigeria, have announced a breakthrough in the investigation of a kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, arresting four suspects and killing one. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrests and the neutralization of one suspect during a gun duel.

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.

— Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno IkoedemProviding an update on the police's progress in the kidnapping case.

The operation, led by the Intelligence Response Team, resulted in the arrest of Marvelous Isaac, 32, who was engaged in a gun battle. Another suspect, identified only as Precious, was killed during the operation. Recovered from the suspects were a Lexus RX 350 SUV, confirmed to have been used in the kidnapping, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, ₦2,050,000 in cash, and a motorcycle.

All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the incident and other criminal operations within the state.

— Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno IkoedemConfirming the suspects' admissions of guilt.

Further investigations on June 20 led to the apprehension of additional syndicate members: Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael, and Rufus Michael. All suspects have reportedly provided confessional statements linking them to the market kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state. The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their swift action and assured residents of continued efforts to bring all criminal elements to justice.

He assured residents of Edo State that the police would not stop until all criminal elements were brought to justice.

— Commissioner of Police, Edo State CommandReassuring the public about the police's commitment to combating crime.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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