The Edo State Special Security Squad has uncovered armoury and camps used by kidnappers during an intensive bush combing exercise across several local government areas of the state, officials said on Thursday.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed that the operation, which ran from Tuesday to Thursday, led to the discovery of two locally made double-barrel guns and a live cartridge in communities including Osa-Somba and Idunwingie in Ovia North-East.
“The discoveries point to the entrenched use of local weapons by kidnappers operating in the region,” Itua said in a statement.
“The operation also included targeted searches along the Benin–Akure Road corridor, where passengers of the New Edo Line were recently kidnapped.”
The exercise comes after gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East, last Friday.
A Chinese national was also abducted, while four others were rescued, and four people sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital.
Idemudia Noah, head of ESSC, explained that the team deployed drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance technology in their operations.
“We received distress calls from Ugboha people regarding kidnapping incidents, and our operatives combed the forests extensively. This administration is determined to make Edo unsafe for criminals. The message is clear: criminals must leave the state or face decisive action,” Noah said.
Eribo Emwanta, a squad member, disclosed that abandoned camps suspected to be used as kidnappers’ hideouts were also discovered in Ugboha forest.
He noted that the operation would continue under the personal supervision of Governor Okpebholo.
Community leaders expressed relief at the intervention. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, and resident Ighodaro Michael praised the government for the show of force, noting that local hunters had long been overstretched combating kidnappers.
“The government’s commitment to security is encouraging, but continued support in logistics and mobility is necessary for communities to complement ongoing operations,” the residents said.
The ESSC also carried out a show-of-force exercise in multiple towns, including Sobe, Ozalla, Iruekpen, Ekpoma, and Irrua, aimed at reassuring residents and warning criminal networks.
While no arrests have yet been made, authorities said kidnappers remain under close surveillance as preventive measures continue.
