The Edo State Special Security Squad, also known as Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, has intensified its offensive against criminal elements, launching a massive bush-combing operation that has led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and suspected kidnapping camps in several parts of the State.
The operation, supervised by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor and the Principal Security Officer (PSO), covered Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas, with particular attention to the Benin–Akure Road corridor where passengers of New Edo Line Transport were recently abducted.
During the sweep, operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and a live cartridge in Osa-Somba and Idunwingie communities, Ovia North-East, suggesting entrenched use of local armoury by kidnappers. In Ugboha forest, abandoned camps believed to have served as hideouts were also discovered.
A squad member, Mr. Eribo Emwanta, confirmed the discoveries, stressing that the operation will remain continuous under the watchful monitoring of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Another operative, Mr. Idemudia Noah, disclosed that drones, military personnel, and advanced surveillance are being deployed to tighten the noose around kidnappers.
“We received distress calls from Ugboha people reporting kidnapping incidents, and we responded with massive combing of the forests. This administration is determined to make Edo too unsafe for criminals. The message is clear: criminals must leave the State or face decisive action,” Noah declared.
Community leaders, including the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Mr. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, and a resident, Mr. Ighodaro Michael, hailed the government’s intervention, describing it as timely relief for overstretched local hunters. They called for more government support in logistics and mobility to complement the ongoing fight.
Beyond the bush sweep, the squad embarked on a show-of-force exercise across Sobe, Ozalla, Iruekpen, Ekpoma, Ihunmudumu, Irrua, Idumu Ojiezua, Ivue/Obeidu, Eror, Arue-Uromi, Egbele, Amedokhian-Uromi, Ugboha, and other communities to reassure residents and send a stern warning to criminal networks.
The multi-agency operation, involving the army, police, and local security operatives, saw personnel trekking deep into forests in search of hideouts. While no arrests have yet been made, officials described the exercise as a preventive strike that dismantled potential bases of kidnappers.
