Nigerian Police Arrest Four, Kill One Linked To Benin Market Kidnap

The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and killed one in connection with the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin on June 14, 2026.
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In an update contained in a statement on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, she said that three suspects were arrested on June 20 in addition to the one earlier nabbed, bringing the arrest to four while one was killed.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.

“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, 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 neutralised 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 ₦2,050,000; 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 incident and other criminal operations within the state.”

He assured residents of Edo State that the police would not stop until all criminal elements were brought to justice.

The command also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, while remaining vigilant and security conscious at all times.

Police

The PUNCH reported that a woman who went shopping on June 14 at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City was reportedly abducted.

The woman was at the market with her husband and children when gunmen reportedly arrived at the scene and whisked her away.

In a video circulating online, a woman who claimed to have witnessed the incident described it as a kidnapping, saying, “Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped.”
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Government Awards N640 Million Contract For Maternal Healthcare, Market Project In Anambra

The government of Anambra State, the executive council has awarded a contract of N639.83 million for developmental projects aimed at promoting economic growth and improving social services.
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The information commissioner, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement after the council meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Mefor said the council approved N237 million for the remodelling of Afouzo Market in Isuofia, Aguata LGA, and awarded the contract to Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd.

He said the council also approved the release of N402.83 million for the supply of routine antenatal medicines and associated services under the state government’s free antenatal and delivery healthcare initiative.

According to him, the contract was awarded to Jessy Pharmaceutical Company Ltd and Award Global Company Ltd.

Mr Mefor said the approvals underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development through projects and policies designed to boost the economy, protect the environment and improve educational standards.

He said market regeneration would remain a priority because markets constituted the largest sector of the state’s economy.

“To ensure clean, green, planned and sustainable communities, markets and cities, regeneration of markets will continue.

The council expressed concern over traders who displayed wares on roads after crossing barricades, thereby causing traffic obstruction and safety hazards.

“As part of measures to address the problem, some markets will be relocated and fenced off from major roads,” he said.

The commissioner also announced that the state government would soon commence enforcement of its Catch-pit Law to address flooding and related environmental challenges.

He said the council identified erosion as the greatest existential threat facing the state and attributed much of the damage to human activities, including poor stormwater management, construction on flood channels and indiscriminate tree felling.

Mr Mefor said the government would enforce existing environmental laws requiring every household to construct catch pits to reduce stormwater runoff and protect roads and infrastructure.

On social welfare, he said the council resolved to sustain Governor Charles Soludo’s administration’s flagship policies on free education, free antenatal care and free delivery services for pregnant women.

He further disclosed that the council approved the introduction of a school adoption programme under which wealthy individuals and corporate organisations would partner with schools across the state.

According to him, the initiative will enable schools to benefit from the resources, expertise and experience of adopters through the administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership framework.

Governor Soludo

Mr Mefor also said the council approved plans for a new law to establish standards and minimum conduct requirements for administrators of public and private primary and secondary schools.

He said the proposed legislation would address exploitative and arbitrary levies, unnecessary ceremonies and the practice of preventing students from reusing textbooks.

According to him, the council’s resolutions reflect the commitment of Mr Soludo’s administration to building a livable and prosperous state through infrastructure development, environmental protection, law and order, and human capital development.
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IGP Disu Receives NBA Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment To Criminal Justice Reforms And Police-Bar Collaboration

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to advancing criminal justice reforms, strengthening professionalism, and deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders in the justice sector.
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The IGP made this known on Tuesday , 23rd June 2026, while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.The NBA delegation included Abdul Mohammed, SAN; Sabastine Anya, First Vice President; Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary; Barbara Omosun, Chief of Staff; Salamatu Sidi, NBA AED; Etaba Agbor; and Isaac Aduloju.

The NBA President commended the Inspector-General for ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability within the Force and reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to support initiatives that promote justice, the rule of law, and improved service delivery. He also extended an invitation to the Nigeria Police Force to participate in the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference.

The Inspector-General of Police reiterated the Force’s commitment to constitutional policing, respect for fundamental rights, and adherence to due process in the discharge of its responsibilities.

IGP Disu Receives NBA Leadership

He further stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the Police and the legal profession in strengthening the criminal justice system, noting that effective collaboration among justice sector stakeholders remains critical to promoting accountability, protecting citizens’ rights, and improving access to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force remains focused on improving operational standards, enhancing public confidence, and ensuring that policing services are delivered in line with established laws and global best practices.

CSP ANIETIE OKOKON EDEM INIEDU
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
23rd June, 2026
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