The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, has intensified its fight against criminal elements with large-scale forest combing operations across the state, leading to the recovery of firearms and the dismantling of suspected kidnappers’ camps.
The coordinated exercise, directly supervised by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO), covered Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas. Particular focus was given to the Benin–Akure Road corridor, where passengers of a transport company were recently kidnapped.
During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and one live cartridge in Osa-Somba and Idunwingie communities in Ovia North-East. In Ugboha forest, abandoned camps believed to have been used by kidnappers were discovered.
Mr. Eribo Emwanta, a squad member, said the operations would continue under the close watch of Governor Monday Okpebholo, while Idemudia Noah noted that the team was deploying drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance to track criminal groups.
Community leaders welcomed the government’s action, with the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Mr. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, and a resident, Mr. Ighodaro Michael, praising the intervention as a relief for overstretched local hunters. They urged the government to provide further logistical support to sustain the operations.
The squad also staged a show-of-force across multiple communities, including Sobe, Ozalla, Ekpoma, Irrua, and Uromi, to reassure residents and send a strong warning to criminal networks.
Although no arrests have been made yet, authorities described the effort as a preventive strike that has dismantled potential hideouts of kidnappers.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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