A combined team of the Edo State Special Security Squad, the Edo State Security Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force has raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout deep within the forest of Amah community in Etsako West Local Government Area, arresting two suspects in a renewed crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
The operation, led by the Principal Security Officer, Saturday Okoh, began with the assembly of operatives at Eko-Waya community in Esan Central Local Government Area. The security agents successfully stormed the hideout, leading to the arrest of two individuals suspected to be linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating within the axis.
Addressing journalists shortly after the raid, the spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwata, disclosed that the operation was carried out following credible intelligence reports.
“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 declared the suspect wanted and assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend him.
Enwata further issued a stern warning to criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, to vacate Edo State or face decisive action from security forces. He also called on community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security operations by promptly reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
“We urge community leaders to help secure their environments by providing timely information. Security is a collective responsibility,” adding that the identified hideout would be demolished in the coming days to prevent further criminal use.
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Also speaking, the Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, alleged that the wanted suspect, Best, has been actively engaging kidnappers from some parts of the country into various forest locations across Edo state.
According to him, dismantling such networks remains a top priority for the security architecture in Edo. The suspects who came from other parts of the country told newsmen that they were engaged by Mr Best. The squad also discovered charms and army uniform in the house.
The latest operation aligns with the sustained directive of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who has consistently reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and criminality.
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