(DDM) – The Edo State Police Command has announced major arrests in the kidnapping of young doctor Abu Babatunde, a case that stirred outrage across Edo State and renewed fears about insecurity in Auchi.
Police operatives arrested three suspected members of the kidnapping gang during coordinated operations in Warake Forest and Auchi town, according to an official statement.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, confirmed the developments in a statement on Sunday and described the arrests as a breakthrough in a wider crackdown on criminal networks.
Officers from the Auchi Division worked with local hunters and vigilante groups to comb bush paths and forest hideouts where kidnappers often operate.
The team arrested a suspect, Saminu Kawujie, on February 3, 2026, during one of those bush-combing operations in Warake Forest.
Police searched him and recovered two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250 in cash.
Investigators organized an identification parade where the victim reportedly identified Kawujie as one of his abductors.
Police said new intelligence led officers to two more suspects on February 8 at about 9:00 a.m. inside the Specialist Hospital in Auchi.
Officers arrested Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar at the hospital following a tip-off.
Authorities identified both men as members of the gang responsible for the January 2 kidnapping.
Police specifically named Idris Abubakar as the person who allegedly collected the ransom money.
The command stated that detectives would pursue a “comprehensive and discreet investigation” to dismantle the entire network behind kidnappings in the area.
Separate sources said the case took a dramatic turn when some suspects reportedly visited the same hospital where the victim works.
According to those sources, the doctor recognised the men when he entered a ward where they had brought their children for treatment.
Security personnel then alerted the police, who moved in and took the suspects into custody.
The abduction itself occurred on January 2, 2026, at the doctor’s residence on City Pride Road in Igbira Camp, Auchi.
Gunmen seized Babatunde and his younger brother, Abu Tahir, as they opened the gate to their compound.
The incident shocked residents, who said kidnappers increasingly target homes rather than highways.
Tragedy followed days later when authorities found Tahir’s body near Orley River on January 5.
Family members and community leaders mourned his death and demanded swift justice.
The kidnappers later released Babatunde after his family paid a ₦50 million ransom.
His father revealed that relatives and supporters raised the money in two parts of ₦20 million and ₦30 million.
Friends, non-governmental organisations, and well-wishers contributed to the fund, showing the emotional weight of the case.
Kidnapping for ransom has plagued parts of Edo State and the wider region for years.
Criminal groups often exploit forests and rural routes to hide victims and evade security patrols.
Community vigilantes have stepped up support for police, but residents still demand stronger prevention.
Many locals argue that frequent arrests must lead to prosecutions to deter future crimes.
Police insist the latest arrests show progress and promise more operations ahead.
For many families in Auchi, however, the case represents both relief and a reminder of persistent danger.
Residents now watch closely as authorities move to charge the suspects and continue the investigation.
