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.”
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.
punch.ng
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
