The Edo State Police Command has apprehended 18-year-old Obehi Odine for allegedly staging her own kidnapping, while 11 additional suspects were arrested for their purported roles in an organized kidnapping syndicate.
In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that firearms and other items were recovered during the operations.
“A suspect, one Obehi Odine ‘F’, aged 18, was arrested for staging her own kidnap and demanding a ransom of ₦10 million. She has confessed to the crime, admitting that the incident was deliberately fabricated to extort money,” the statement read.
In a separate operation in Ubiaja, the command reported another breakthrough following a bush-combing exercise.
“The Divisional Police Officer, Ubiaja, personally led a coordinated bush-combing operation around Akwocha Camp and adjoining forest corridors, in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).
“A concealed forest enclave, identified by the drone squadron through intelligence generated from air surveillance as a suspected kidnapping and logistics base, was stormed. This resulted in the arrest of 11 male suspects believed to be members of an organised kidnapping syndicate.
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“Exhibits recovered include 24 dane guns, 17 cutlasses, three battle axes, gunpowder, torchlights, mobile phones, solar panels, assorted charms, one motorcycle, and ₦209,700 among other items.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika cautioned the public against filing false kidnapping reports or engaging in deceptive acts.
“Such actions waste critical security resources, divert attention from genuine emergencies, create unnecessary panic, and undermine public confidence. Anyone caught will be prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.
Agbonika also reiterated the command’s commitment to technology-driven policing, aggressive forest patrols, and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the state. He further encouraged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts.