Hotel Raid in Benin Leads to Arrest of Armed Robbery Suspects, Weapons and Stolen Benz Recovered

 

A swift response by law enforcement officers attached to the Oba Market Division of the Edo State Police Command has led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be involved in a recent spate of armed robbery and kidnapping activities. The apprehension, which occurred following a well-coordinated police raid on a hotel in Benin City, underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to clamp down on criminal elements operating across state lines.

The suspects, identified as Maxwell Mathew and Samuel Mathew, both natives of Abraka, Delta State, were reportedly tracked down after the police received a distress alert concerning suspicious activities linked to a group of individuals sheltering within the division’s operational jurisdiction.

According to a statement issued by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Joel Yamu, actionable intelligence led officers to a hotel where the suspects were believed to be hiding. A tactical operation ensued, resulting in the successful arrest of both individuals without incident.

Items recovered from the scene included a Mercedes Benz GLC 300 bearing Delta State registration number ASB 884 AS. Additional exhibits seized during the operation were two face masks, a locally fabricated shotgun, and two live cartridges—believed to be tools used during the execution of the suspects’ alleged crimes.

Further revelations emerged during the preliminary phase of the police investigation. Both suspects reportedly admitted to robbing one Mr. Patrick Omoregie, dispossessing him of the aforementioned Mercedes Benz SUV, an iPhone 16 Plus, and the sum of ₦150,000 in cash. Police reports also noted that the suspects made away with an undisclosed amount of cryptocurrency from their victim, though the precise value of the digital assets is still being determined.

Eyewitnesses familiar with the raid described the police operation as “precise and highly professional,” with officers quickly securing the location and ensuring no civilian was harmed during the course of the arrest. A hotel staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspects had checked in under false identities and appeared anxious throughout their brief stay.

The successful operation serves as another example of the growing synergy among law enforcement agencies in Nigeria’s South-South region. The Edo Police Command emphasized its commitment to cross-border collaboration, confirming that the two arrested individuals would soon be transferred to the Delta State Police Command to continue with the investigation and face prosecution under the appropriate legal framework.

CSP Yamu stated, “The Edo State Command remains resolute in its resolve to work hand in hand with sister security formations across state lines. We will not allow criminals to exploit jurisdictional boundaries as a loophole to escape justice.”

The implications of this arrest resonate beyond Edo and Delta States. Criminals operating with trans-state mobility often pose significant challenges to law enforcement efforts due to the complexity of jurisdictional coordination. However, recent developments such as this illustrate a growing capacity by Nigerian police units to share intelligence and mount collaborative operations swiftly.

The victims of the robbery, particularly Mr. Omoregie, are said to be cooperating with investigators. Reports suggest that efforts are already underway to trace the stolen crypto assets and possibly recover them. Experts in cybercrime from both Edo and Delta State commands are expected to provide technical support in this aspect of the investigation.

As news of the arrests spread, residents in both Edo and Delta states have expressed cautious optimism, hoping this signals a turning point in addressing crimes involving armed gangs and coordinated robberies. The community has also been urged to continue sharing timely and credible information with local authorities to assist in the fight against crime.

Meanwhile, the Police Command used the opportunity to reiterate its zero-tolerance policy on violent crime and reassured the public of its readiness to respond decisively to any threat against peace and security. “Our officers are working round the clock. No criminal will go unpunished,” Yamu concluded.

The case of Maxwell and Samuel Mathew remains open as investigations continue, but their arrest marks a decisive step forward in a case that could have gone cold without immediate and coordinated action. As they await transfer to Delta State for further interrogation and potential prosecution, law enforcement officials continue to dig deeper into any possible links to larger criminal syndicates in the region.