A suspected kidnapper, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed, has been apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) while allegedly delivering a firearm to his accomplices in the state.

The suspect, who hails from Borno State, was arrested by operatives along the Oluku bypass area in Benin City. Richard Balogun, ESSC Deputy Commander, Operations, confirmed the arrest, noting that both the suspect and the recovered firearm have been handed over to the police for profiling and further investigation.

Balogun stated that there have been frequent kidnapping incidents around the Oluku bypass, Benin-Akure road, and surrounding areas. In response, ESSC personnel were placed on constant surveillance in the area, supplemented by regular motorized patrols.

He added that during one of these patrols, the team received credible intelligence that a man intended to deliver a gun to a kidnapping gang operating locally. Security measures were intensified, and a few hours later, the suspect was spotted riding a motorcycle while concealing the gun in a long bag. He was promptly apprehended, and the firearm was recovered.