Security forces raid Edo forest hideout, arrest 2 over kidnapping

BENIN CITY: Security operatives in Edo State have intensified the crackdown on kidnapping, raiding a suspected hideout in a forest in Amah community, Etsako West Local Government Area, and arresting two suspects.

The operation was carried out by a combined team of 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, with operatives assembling at Eko-Waya community in Esan Central Local Government Area before advancing to the forest location.

The team successfully stormed the hideout, leading to the arrest of two individuals suspected to be linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating within the area.

Speaking to journalists after the operation, spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwata, said that the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected kingpin identified simply as “Best.”

“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 efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.

He warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, to leave the state or face decisive action, while urging residents and community leaders to support security agencies with timely information.

“We urge community leaders to help secure their environments by providing timely information. Security is a collective responsibility,” he said, adding 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 Edo State.

According to him, dismantling such networks remains a priority for security agencies.

The suspects, who are said to have come from outside the state, told journalists that they were recruited by the wanted suspect.

Items recovered from the hideout include charms and an army uniform.

The operation, officials said, was in line with the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and criminality in the state.