Vegetable Market Kidnapping Incident: Police Arrest Five Suspects in Edo

The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested five suspects linked to the vegetable market kidnapping incident in Benin City, as investigators intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal network behind the crime.

Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem said officers launched a coordinated operation following the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market. During the rescue mission on June 14, 2026, one suspect identified only as Precious was killed in a gun battle with security operatives.

According to the police, officers arrested 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac during a follow-up operation led by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Investigators recovered a red Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, which police say was used in the vegetable market kidnapping incident. Officers also seized a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, N2.05 million in cash and a motorcycle.

Furthermore, police arrested three additional suspects on June 20 during separate operations in Benin City and parts of Delta State. Among them was 27-year-old Gift Raphael, whose information reportedly led officers to arrest Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.

Police said all five suspects have made statements linking them to the vegetable market kidnapping incident and other criminal activities in Edo State.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika praised officers for their professionalism and swift action. He assured residents that police would continue pursuing criminal gangs and urged the public to provide credible information to support security operations. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to bring all those connected to the case to justice.