Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested at the General Hospital, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, following identification by one of their victims, Dr. Momoh Tahir.

Dr. Tahir and his brother, Abu, were abducted on January 2 at the Igbira Camp area of Auchi. While Dr. Tahir was eventually released after a ransom payment, his brother was killed during an escape attempt by the abductors.

The suspects were reportedly at the hospital visiting a relative when Dr. Tahir recognised them and raised the alarm.

Police confirmed that the two individuals are currently under investigation.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Edo police command have engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel at Ekeke forest during an operation aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks across the state.

Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and vigilante groups, following actionable intelligence on the presence and movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest corridor.

“On advancing into the forest, the operatives came under armed resistance from the suspects, leading to a gun duel. Through effective tactical deployment, terrain dominance, and superior maneuvering, one suspect, Usman Abdulkarim ‘M’, aged 27 years, was isolated and arrested within the forest, while other members of the gang escaped deeper into the bush with their arms.

“All recovered items have been secured and registered as exhibits, while the arrested suspect is currently in custody. Intensive follow-up operations and manhunt are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover their firearms.” (Text, excluding headline: The Nation)