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Edo security squad raids, destroys five kidnappers’ camps

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10 months ago

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The Edo State Special Security Squad has dismantled five suspected kidnappers’ camps in Edo North Senatorial District following a major bush-combing operation in the Ekeke Erah Forest, Owan East Local Government Area.

In a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Itua, the operation, carried out on Thursday and Friday, was coordinated by the Governor’s Principal Security Officer in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and other security agencies.

Operatives reportedly trekked nearly five kilometres deep into the forest between Afuze and Ora, where the camps were uncovered and destroyed.

A member of the squad, Eribo Ewanta, said after the six-hour exercise that evidence confirmed the camps were still in active use.

“We discovered five camps with clear indications that their occupants had only just fled. We found fire still burning and a pot of food left on the fire. This confirms the presence of suspected kidnappers in the area,” Ewanta said.

He explained that the operation escalated into an exchange of gunfire at a riverbank, as suspected kidnappers, apparently alerted to the presence of security personnel, attempted to evade capture. He also noted evidence of cattle grazing in the forest, raising suspicion that the hideouts may have been linked to armed herdsmen.

“We engaged the suspects in a serious gun duel, but they escaped deeper into the forest. Nevertheless, we are on their trail. Their camps have been dismantled and destroyed. Edo State will no longer provide a haven for criminal elements,” he declared.

Ewanta assured residents that the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to flush out kidnappers and violent groups from the state.

“We are battle-ready. The directive of the Governor is clear: Edo must be free of criminal elements. We will pursue them relentlessly until they are apprehended.”

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He also commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to fortifying security, noting that the administration’s coordinated strategy is restoring public confidence and sending a clear message to criminal gangs.

The clampdown comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in Edo and neighbouring states. Kidnapping and cult-related violence have remained major threats, particularly along the Benin-Auchi axis.

In September, police rescued 16 abducted travellers along the highway, while earlier this year the ESSC arrested 18 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers near an army checkpoint along the same route. https://punchng.com/edo-security-outfit-arrests-18-suspected-kidnappers/ https://punchng.com/kidnappers-abduct-travellers-in-edo-police-rescue-16/

Since assuming office in 2024, Okpebholo has prioritised security by launching the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers.

The outfit has since led raids on criminal hideouts, arrested suspects, demolished buildings used by cultists or kidnappers, and targeted the heads of cult groups to weaken their networks.

Kidnapping and cult-related violence have remained persistent security threats in Edo and neighbouring states in recent years.

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Crime

Troops arrest soldier declared wanted for supplying military uniforms to terrorists

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1 day ago

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July 26, 2026

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military uniforms to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

Security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a statement posted on X.

Makama said that the suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility, NAOTF, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 pm on July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.

He added that preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, 2026, where he allegedly went into hiding.

Investigators further established that the soldier was sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

The security expert further noted that acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

“The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.

“The arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplices,” Makama added.

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PHOTOS: N10 billion Cocaine, Loud, opioids intercepted at Lagos ports as NDLEA arrests kingpins

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2 days ago

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July 26, 2026

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A 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun market, Lagos Island, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an attempt to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs going to the United Kingdom.

According to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, Onuigbo was arrested on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, following the interception of his cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Lagos airport the previous day, Wednesday 22nd July by NDLEA operatives.

NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap

Babafemi said in the course of investigation, three cargo agents identified as Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina; Adeleke Abiola Taoheed; and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the shipment, were initially arrested, leading to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu who delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.

The NDLEA spokesperson said Okakpu’s arrest provided the lead to identifying Onuigbo as the kingpin behind the syndicate and his eventual arrest while attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the UK.

NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap

He mentioned that a 31-year-old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, also involved in illicit drug trafficking, was on Tuesday, 21st July, arrested at her Surulere, Lagos residence by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 2.80kg Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, 20th July.”

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NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap

In a related development, NDLEA officials seized a consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap heading to the UK. The shipment was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at a courier firm in Lagos on Wednesday, 22nd July.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Suspected cable thief nabbed in Bayelsa community

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2 days ago

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July 26, 2026

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A man accused of stealing cables was paraded in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, 26th July, 2026 by a vigilante group at Ompadec, Amarata, while allegedly stealing electrical cables from a home.

​According to residents, cable theft has become a recurring problem in the area, leaving them feeling vulnerable.

They expressed relief following his apprehension.

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