Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a 21-year-old man, for allegedly kidnapping a four-year-old boy in Benin City.
The Deputy Corps Commander for Operations, Richard Balogun, said the incident occurred on January 4, 2026, at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba-Okhai Local Government Area.
According to Balogun, the arrest followed an alert from a commercial bus driver and a female passenger who noticed suspicious behavior.
“The suspect allegedly took the boy into a commercial bus heading toward Kings Square. The driver questioned him about the child, and conflicting explanations raised alarm,” Balogun said.
The suspect reportedly claimed the child was ill and he was taking him to a hospital, but later said he was buying the boy shoes, prompting the driver and passenger to notify ESSC officers on patrol.
The ESSC intervened immediately, arresting Destiny and rescuing the child unharmed.
Balogun confirmed that the boy has been safely reunited with his family.
The suspect has been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
He assured the public that the ESSC would continue proactive patrols to detect and prevent criminal activity across the state.
“The safety of residents, especially children, remains our top priority,” Balogun added.
