The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the Vegetable Market kidnapping incident in Benin City.
LIB reported that gunmen abducted a woman at the popular market on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The woman was with her husband and children when the gunmen arrived at the scene and whisked her away.
The victim, whose abduction was captured on camera, was rescued 48 hours after her abduction.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who announced the breakthrough in a statement on June 23, 2026 said operatives also recovered weapons, cash and a Lexus RX 350 SUV used in the kidnapping operation.
According to the PPRO, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated operation, leading to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac.
The command stated that Isaac was arrested during a gun duel, while another suspect identified simply as Precious was k!lled in the course of the operation.
Further investigation led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, including a female suspect, Gift Raphael.
“Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at vegetable market off Airport Road in Benin City on 14th June 2026,” the statement read.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on 18/6/2026 in a gun duel while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralized in the process.
“Items recovered from the suspects included one Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which was confessed to have been used in the kidnapping operation; one pump-action shotgun; two live cartridges; a cash sum of N2,050,000; and one motorcycle.
“The operatives on 20/6/2026 further arrested additional members of the organised crime syndicate, namely Gift Raphael, female, 27 years; who further led to the arrest of wisdom Michael, male; and Rufus Michael, male, during separate operations conducted within Benin City and parts of Delta State.
“All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the vegetable market incident and other criminal operations within the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, commends the operatives for their professionalism, courage, promptness and dedication in tracking down the criminal network.
“He assures residents of Edo State that the police will not stop untill all criminal elements are brought to justice.
“The Command further urges members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, while remaining vigilant and security conscious at all times.”
