The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, has intensified its war against criminal gangs, launching large-scale bush combing operations that led to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and abandoned kidnappers’ camps across the state.
Supervised by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Governor’s Principal Security Officer (PSO), the coordinated operation covered Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.
A major focus was the Benin–Akure Road corridor, where passengers of the New Edo Line were recently kidnapped. During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and a live cartridge in Osa-Somba and Idunwingie communities of Ovia North-East, exposing the entrenched use of local armoury by kidnappers.
In Ugboha forest, abandoned camps believed to have served as kidnapping hideouts were uncovered. A squad member, Mr. Eribo Emwanta, confirmed that the operation would remain continuous, with Governor Okpebholo personally monitoring progress.
Mr. Idemudia Noah added that drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance technology are now being deployed to track down kidnappers.
“This administration is determined to make Edo unsafe for criminals. The message is clear: criminals must leave the state or face decisive action,” Noah declared.
Community leaders welcomed the crackdown. The Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Mr. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, and a resident, Mr. Ighodaro Michael, praised the Governor’s resolve, noting that local hunters had long been overstretched in the fight against rising kidnappings.
“We are happy to see the Governor take the lead. With more logistics and mobility support, communities can better complement this effort,” they said.
Beyond the raids, the squad staged a show of force across Sobe, Ozalla, Iruekpen, Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi, Ugboha, and other communities to reassure residents and warn criminal networks.
The multi-agency operation, involving the army, police, and local security, saw operatives trekking for hours deep into forests in search of hideouts. While no arrests have yet been made, officials described the sweep as a preventive strike that dismantled potential kidnapping bases, keeping security forces firmly on the trail of criminals.
