Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps and the Edo State Special Security Squad, have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in a forest near Amah community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, arresting two suspects.
The joint operation, led by Principal Security Officer Saturday Okoh, commenced from Eko-Waya community in Esan Central Local Government Area before advancing into the forest based on intelligence reports.
Speaking to journalists after the raid, the spokesperson for the Special Security Squad, Eribo Enwata, said the operation was triggered by credible information about a suspected kidnapping kingpin identified simply as “Best,” who is believed to be operating from the forest.
Enwata disclosed that while two suspects were apprehended at the hideout, the alleged mastermind remains at large and has been declared wanted. He assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track and arrest him.
He warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, to leave the state or face decisive action, stressing the importance of community cooperation in tackling insecurity.
“We urge residents and community leaders to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. Security is a collective responsibility,” he said, adding that the identified hideout would be demolished to prevent further criminal use.
Also speaking, Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, alleged that the wanted suspect had been recruiting accomplices from different parts of the country and establishing them in forest locations across the state.
According to him, dismantling such networks remains a priority for security agencies in Edo.
The arrested suspects reportedly told authorities they were recruited by the fleeing suspect. During the operation, security operatives also recovered items including charms and military-style uniforms from the hideout.
The raid is part of ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state, in line with the directive of Monday Okpebholo, who has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities.
