Edo Security Squad Dismantles Suspected Kidnappers’ Camps, Recovers Arms

The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, has intensified its offensive against criminal networks, conducting large-scale bush combing operations that uncovered and dismantled suspected kidnappers’ hideouts while recovering firearms and ammunition in key locations across the state.

In a statement on Thursday, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the coordinated exercise was carried out under the supervision of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO).

The operation extended to Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas, with particular focus on the Benin–Akure Road corridor, where passengers of New Edo Line transport company were recently abducted.

“During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and one live cartridge in adjoining communities, including Osa-Somba and Idunwingie in Ovia North-East. Officials noted that the discoveries point to the entrenched use of local armoury by kidnappers operating in the region,” the statement noted.

A squad member, Eribo Emwanta, revealed that in Ugboha forest, operatives uncovered abandoned camps believed to have been used as hideouts by kidnappers. He added that the crackdown would continue, with Governor Okpebholo personally monitoring the squad’s progress.

Another official, Idemudia Noah, said the team is deploying drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance tools to sustain the momentum. “We received distress calls from Ugboha people reporting kidnapping incidents, and we responded with massive combing of the forests. This administration is determined to ensure Edo is too unsafe for criminals. The message is clear: criminals must leave the state or face decisive action,” Noah declared.

Beyond the forest raids, the squad also staged a show-of-force across several communities, including Sobe, Ozalla, Iruekpen, Ekpoma, Ihunmudumu, Eguare, Irrua, Idumu Ojiezua, Ivue/Obeidu, Eror, Arue-Uromi, Egbele, Amedokhian-Uromi, and Ugboha.

Security officials emphasized that the multi-agency effort—comprising the army, police, and local security operatives—was designed to reassure residents of government’s resolve to secure lives and property while sending a clear warning to criminal groups. Personnel reportedly trekked for hours into the forests in pursuit of criminal hideouts.