The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspected fugitives allegedly linked to a kidnapping and double murder case under investigation in Edo State.

The suspects were apprehended in the Ijebu-Ode area following an initial arrest by operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service in the Atiba axis. The individuals were later transferred to the police, who launched further intelligence-led investigations through the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. He identified the suspects as 25-year-old Gafaru Adamu and 20-year-old.

Preliminary investigations and inter-agency intelligence sharing indicate that the suspects are already wanted by the Edo State Police Command in connection with the kidnapping and killing of two victims in the Okada area of Edo State.

According to the police, the duo is believed to be part of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate operating across multiple states in southern Nigeria.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the duo was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of two hostages in the Okada area of Edo State,” Babaseyi said.

During the operation, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the suspects’ alleged criminal activities, including a pair of police camouflage uniforms and three mobile phones.

Authorities say the uniforms were allegedly used to impersonate security personnel and deceive victims, while the phones have been sent for forensic analysis to trace communications and identify other members of the syndicate.

The Ogun State Police Command said arrangements are underway to transfer the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Edo State Police Command for further interrogation and prosecution, since the primary offences occurred within its jurisdiction.

Security agencies also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining five members of the alleged criminal gang.