Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have recorded a breakthrough in the investigation into the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market, off Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026, with the arrest of several suspected members of an organised criminal syndicate and the recovery of weapons, cash and other exhibits.
According to the Command, the operation followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who ordered an intensive 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 32-year-old Marvellous Isaac on June 18 after a gun battle. During the operation, another suspect identified simply as Precious was fatally shot after reportedly engaging the operatives.
Items recovered from the suspects included a red Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, which investigators said was used during the kidnapping operation, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and ₦2.05 million in cash.
The Command disclosed that the investigation was further expanded on June 20 with the arrest of additional suspected members of the syndicate. Those arrested were identified as 27-year-old Gift Raphael, whose arrest reportedly led investigators to Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael during separate operations conducted in Benin City and parts of Delta State.
Police said the suspects had made confessional statements linking themselves to the Vegetable Market kidnapping and other criminal activities within Edo State.
Commending the operatives, Commissioner of Police Agbonika praised their professionalism, courage and dedication in dismantling the criminal network.
He reassured residents that the Command would sustain its operations until all criminal elements operating in the state are arrested and brought to justice.
The police also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts, urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious.
The Command advised residents to contact its emergency control room on 08077773721 or 08037646272 in emergencies, while complaints can be lodged through the Public Complaints Bureau on 08150999335 or the Complaints Response Unit on 08100389992.
