Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 28-year-old suspected kidnapper during an operation in the state.

The suspect, identified as Muhammed Abubakar, was arrested at Imasabor community, near Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, following a failed attempt to kidnap the occupants of a residence.

Abubakar and his accomplices, who were reportedly heavily armed, stormed the house in Imasabor around 6 am. Sources gathered that upon arriving at the scene, the gang fired sporadic gunshots to scare residents while attempting to force an iron door open. However, alert residents made a distress call to security agents, who quickly stormed the area.

On sighting the police, the kidnappers fled into the nearby bush. While most of the gang escaped, Abubakar was apprehended during a subsequent bush-combing exercise by the officers.

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspect has been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit for further investigation and prosecution.

She added that the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical commanders to remain on high alert to combat the crime wave.