Follow Us on Google
By Christopher Oji
A combined team of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Edo State Security Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force has raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in a forest in Amah community, Etsako West Local Government Area, arresting two suspects.
The operation, led by the Principal Security Officer, Saturday Okoh, commenced with the assembly of operatives at Eko-Waya community in Esan Central Local Government Area.
Security agents stormed the hideout, leading to the arrest of two individuals suspected to be linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
Addressing journalists after the raid, spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwata, said the operation followed credible intelligence.
Other News
“We received a tip-off that a suspected mastermind of kidnapping in this area, identified simply as Best, has been operating from a hideout within this forest,” he said, declaring the suspect wanted and assuring that efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.
Enwata warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, to leave Edo State or face decisive action. He also urged community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” he added, noting that the hideout would be demolished to prevent further criminal use.
Also speaking, Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, alleged that the wanted suspect had been recruiting kidnappers from different parts of the country and deploying them to forest locations across the state. The arrested suspects reportedly told journalists that they were recruited by the fleeing suspect. Security operatives also recovered charms and an army uniform from the hideout.
The operation aligns with the directive of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime.
