Two members of kidnap gang, Muhammed Muamadu Haru ‘M’, aged 35 years, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna ‘M’, identified in a previous shootout with police personnel have been caught by security operatives in Edo State.
The male suspects of ages 35 and 25, were nabbed by, police operatives of the Igarra Area Command in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State, while on duty at their traditional nipping point on the Auchi–Igarra Highway on 28 January 2026 at about 1330 hours.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria police Command in the State, ASP Eno Ikoedem said in a statement that the suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint bush combing rescue operations in the area.
Upon recognition of the suspects the suspects, attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested, according to the police while assuring that investigation into the crime continues.
In a related development, a convoy of motorcycle patrol team from the Igarra Area Command, foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express road on Monday, 2 February 2026, at about 1700hrs.
The police said in the statement that t
The patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road, according to the statement which stated that the suspects fled into the forest after a hot chase by police.
Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects who abandoned items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism and reassures the public of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through designated Nigeria police emergency lines.
