BENIN CITY: The Edo State Special Security Squad has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities with a large-scale forest combing operation that led to the dismantling of suspected kidnappers’ camps and the recovery of firearms and ammunition across strategic locations in the state.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
The exercise, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, was carried out under the direct supervision of the Chief Security Officer and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer. It covered 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 the New Edo Line transport company were recently abducted.
During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and one live cartridge in Osa-Somba and Idunwingie communities of Ovia North-East. Security officials said the discoveries highlight the widespread use of locally fabricated arms by kidnappers operating in the region.
In Ugboha forest, the squad uncovered abandoned camps believed to have been used as kidnapping hideouts. A member of the squad, Mr. Eribo Emwanta, confirmed the discovery and stressed that the operation would remain continuous, with Governor Monday Okpebholo personally monitoring developments.
Another official, Mr. Idemudia Noah, disclosed that drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance technology were being deployed in the hunt for criminals.
“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 stated.
Community leaders also commended the government’s action. The Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Mr. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, and a resident, Mr. Ighodaro Michael, described the intervention as a relief, noting that kidnapping had become rampant and that local hunters had long been overstretched. They appealed for greater government support in logistics and mobility to complement the ongoing security operations.
Beyond the raids, the squad staged a show-of-force exercise across Sobe, Ozalla, Iruekpen, Ekpoma, Ihunmudumu, Irrua, Uromi, Ugboha, and other communities, reassuring residents of government’s resolve to secure the state and sending a stern warning to criminal networks.
The multi-agency operation, which involved the army, police, and local security operatives, saw personnel trek for hours deep into forests in search of hideouts. While no arrests have been made yet, officials said the operation served as a preventive strike, dismantling potential bases of kidnappers.
