Timothy Omobude 
Police in Edo State have arrested suspected kidnappers following a gun duel during a coordinated security operation in Ekeke Forest, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday at about 7:00 a.m., was part of sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks across the state.
It was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma Division and involved a tactical team of police operatives working in synergy with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
Acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest corridor, the security team conducted a bush-combing exercise. Upon advancing into the forest, the operatives came under armed attack from the suspects, leading to a gun battle.
Through effective tactical deployment and terrain dominance, one suspect, identified as Usman Abdulkarim (male), aged 27, was isolated and arrested. Other members of the gang escaped deeper into the forest with their weapons.
A search of the area led to the recovery of the following items:Three (3) mobile phones of different brandsTwo (2) ropesCash sum of Three Thousand Naira (₦3,000)
In a related operation at the Era Bush axis, two suspected kidnappers, on sighting advancing operatives, abandoned a red Boxer motorcycle with registration number USS 95 AWR and fled into the surrounding vegetation.
All recovered items have been secured and registered as exhibits, while the arrested suspect is currently in police custody. Intensive follow-up operations and a manhunt are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover their firearms.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
