Edo Security Squad Uncovers Kidnappers’ Armoury, Camps in Forests

The Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSC) has discovered armouries and abandoned camps used by kidnappers during a three-day bush-combing operation across several local government areas of the state.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said the operation—conducted between Tuesday and Thursday—was supervised by the governor’s Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer. It covered Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East LGAs, with special focus on the Benin–Akure Road corridor, notorious for recent abductions.

During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and live cartridges in communities such as Osa-Somba and Idunwingie. The ESSC also deployed drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance tools to track kidnappers. Head of the squad, Idemudia Noah, said the government is determined to make Edo unsafe for criminals, stressing that “the message is clear: criminals must leave or face decisive action.”

The operation follows recent attacks in the state, including the killing of eight Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel guarding BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, the abduction of a Chinese expatriate, and the kidnapping of passengers along Benin-Auchi Road. While some victims were rescued, others remain affected.

Residents and traditional leaders, including the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Osaro Ehiozomwangie, welcomed the government’s intervention, urging more support in logistics to sustain the fight. Meanwhile, ESSC members vowed to continue the exercise, combining forest combing with show-of-force patrols across multiple communities.

Although no arrests have been made yet, officials confirmed that security agencies remain on the trail of kidnappers, working to dismantle their networks and reassure residents of government’s commitment to public safety.