The Edo state government and the state police command have launched a manhunt for a suspected arms supplier allegedly linked to kidnapping activities in parts of the state.
The development followed revelations by one of the arrested kidnapping suspects, identified as Marvellous Israel, who accused a man known as Liberty of supplying firearms to the gang.
According to Israel, the suspect, popularly called “Chief Security Officer” within the group, was responsible for providing the weapon used during a kidnapping operation and was also entitled to a share of the ransom proceeds.
He told investigators that N1.5 million out of the N2.8 million recovered from him was meant for Liberty, adding that the gang had collected N8 million as ransom from one of its victims.
“The man who gave us the gun for the kidnapping is called Liberty. We also call him Chief Security Officer in our area. The sum of N1.5 million out of the N2.8 million recovered from me was meant for him,” Israel reportedly told police.
Confirming the development, CSP Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the Edo state police command said investigations into the alleged involvement of Liberty were ongoing.
She disclosed that security operatives had arrested additional members of the kidnapping syndicate in neighbouring Delta State, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four, while one gang member was killed during operations.
The police identified the newly arrested suspects as 27-year-old Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael, who were apprehended on June 20.
According to Ikoedem, all the suspects have made confessional statements linking themselves to the kidnapping incident at a vegetable market in Benin City as well as other criminal activities within the state.
“I can confirm that all suspects linked to the Benin market kidnapping have been arrested, while one was killed. The police are on the trail of the alleged arms supplier identified as Liberty,” she said.
Meanwhile, security operatives recorded another breakthrough in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after a woman who was abducted alongside her daughter identified some of her kidnappers.
The suspects were reportedly recognised by the victim when they visited a community market to purchase food items.
Following her alert, a joint team comprising military personnel and operatives of the Edo State Security Network arrested the suspects.
Alabi Oshionogue, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area described the arrests as evidence that ongoing security measures were yielding positive results.
He commended security operatives for their bravery and professionalism, expressing confidence that the arrests would help restore peace and improve security across the area.
“The woman was able to identify her kidnappers and they have been arrested. This will bring peace to the local government area,” Oshionogue said.
The latest arrests come amid intensified efforts by security agencies and the Edo state government to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
