Security Forces Storm Edo Forest, Bust Kidnap Den, Arrest Two Suspects

A combined team of security operatives in Edo State has raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in a forest in Amah community, Etsako West Local Government Area, arresting two suspects in an ongoing crackdown on criminal activities.

The operation involved personnel from the Edo State Special Security Squad, the Edo State Security Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.

It was led by the Principal Security Officer, Saturday Okoh, and commenced with the assembly of operatives at Eko-Waya community in Esan Central Local Government Area.

Security agents stormed the hideout following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of two individuals suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within the area.

Speaking to journalists after the operation, the spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwata, said the raid was based on actionable intelligence.

“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.

Enwata declared the suspect wanted and assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend him.

He warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, to leave the state or face decisive action, while also urging residents and community leaders to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

“Security is a collective responsibility,” he added, noting that the identified hideout would be demolished to prevent further criminal use.

Also speaking, the Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, alleged that the wanted suspect had been recruiting kidnappers from other parts of the country into forest locations across the state.

The arrested suspects reportedly told journalists they were recruited by the wanted kingpin.

Items recovered from the hideout include charms and military uniforms, raising further concerns about the group’s operations.

The operation aligns with the directive of Monday Okpebholo, who has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and criminality.