Operatives attached to the Edo State Police Command have arrested four suspects and neutralized another in connection with the kidnapping at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in the GRA axis of Benin City.

The breakthrough follows an intelligence-led operation tracking the criminal syndicate behind the June 14, 2026, market abduction, which had initially triggered widespread concern across the state capital.

Acting on a swift mandate from Governor Monday Okpebholo to root out the perpetrators, security forces tracked the gang to their hideout. During the ensuing confrontation, a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out, resulting in one suspect being fatally shot while four others were successfully taken into custody.

The Police Command recovered critical exhibits from the syndicate, including a red Lexus RX 350 utilized during the market operation, a pump-action shotgun, live cartridges, and a cash sum of ₦2,250,000, which is strongly suspected to be part of the illicit proceeds from the crime.

The abducted victim had previously been rescued unharmed and reunited with her family due to rapid pressure mounted by the joint security network.

During a formal briefing at the command headquarters, Governor Okpebholo commended the tactical teams for their 24-hour turnaround in smashing the ring. To institutionalize a harsher deterrent against such offenses, the governor announced plans to establish a special fast-track court specifically for trying kidnappers and cultists, reiterating his administrative stance that he will not hesitate to sign death warrants for convicted individuals to restore absolute security to the state.