A suspected kidnapping network operating across parts of Edo North has suffered a major setback following the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and a 52-year-old Islamic teacher accused of providing spiritual support to members of the gang.

The suspects were paraded on Tuesday by the Edo State Police Command alongside six other suspects arrested for various alleged offences, as the command highlighted recent successes recorded through intelligence-led operations.

The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daor, said the four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Niger State following intelligence gathered by operatives of the command. They were allegedly involved in kidnapping activities affecting communities around Auchi, Jattu and Okpella in Edo North Senatorial District.

Among those arrested was the Islamic teacher, identified as Jubril Ibrahim, who the police accused of preparing charms for kidnappers to help them carry out their criminal activities.

Ibrahim, however, rejected the allegation and maintained that he was only offering prayers for one of the suspects after being approached by the man’s mother.

Speaking through an interpreter, the 52-year-old said he teaches the Qur’an to Almajiri children and had been asked by the suspect’s mother to pray for her son because he travelled frequently.

He acknowledged knowing that the suspect possessed an AK-47 rifle when questioned by journalists, but maintained that his involvement was limited to praying for the man’s safety.

Suspect admits involvement in Auchi kidnapping

One of the suspected kidnappers, 24-year-old Ahmadu Suleiman, gave investigators an account of how his group allegedly carried out kidnapping operations.

Suleiman claimed that he had worked with different kidnapping syndicates across the country before returning to his base in Niger State.

He admitted participating in one kidnapping operation in the Auchi area of Edo State and said the gang targeted homes they considered attractive before using gunfire to create panic among residents.

According to the suspect, the kidnappers would identify what they considered to be a beautiful or wealthy-looking house, shoot into the air and wait for residents to flee in fear. The fleeing victims would then allegedly be taken into the bush, where the gang would demand ransom.

Suleiman claimed that he received ₦1 million from the Auchi operation and insisted that it was the only kidnapping operation he participated in within that particular area.

When asked whether the gang had informants who supplied information about potential victims, he reportedly said they did not have informants but instead looked out for expensive vehicles and buildings that suggested potential targets.

The police said the arrests were made possible through intelligence gathering and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.

The command has continued to focus particularly on areas affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes, with Edo North remaining a major security concern because of its proximity to interstate routes and forested areas that criminals may exploit.

The police also paraded a 21-year-old suspect accused of stealing a baby at Ring Road in Benin City. A stolen vehicle was recovered in connection with the case.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the latest arrests demonstrated the importance of intelligence in disrupting criminal activities.

She appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that could help security agencies identify criminals, locate their hideouts and prevent attacks.

The command stressed that investigations into the cases were ongoing and that the suspects would be subjected to the necessary legal processes.

The arrest of the Islamic teacher has also raised questions about the alleged use of spiritual or traditional practices by criminal groups, although Ibrahim has denied knowingly supporting kidnapping activities.

The police will now be expected to establish the extent of each suspect’s involvement and determine whether the evidence gathered is sufficient to prosecute them in court.

Authorities have continued to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The Edo State Police Command said it would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving security across the state.