Edo kidnappers’ armoury and camps uncovered as Special Squad raids forest hideouts. Governor vows criminals must leave or face action

Edo Kidnappers Armoury has been uncovered in a sweeping forest operation led by the Edo State Special Security Squad, marking a critical breakthrough in the state’s ongoing fight against violent crime.

Also read: Kidnapped Edo Seminarians: Hope Rises as Catholic Diocese Appeals for Release

The discovery was made during a coordinated bush-combing exercise that took place between Tuesday and Thursday across multiple local government areas.

According to a statement from Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the operation was a direct response to recent deadly attacks, including the killing of eight NSCDC personnel near the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, and the abduction of a Chinese expatriate.

The operation, which covered parts of Ovia North-East, Esan West, Esan North-East, and Esan South-East, led to the recovery of locally made firearms, a live cartridge, and the discovery of abandoned kidnapping camps in forested communities such as Ugboha, Osa-Somba, and Idunwingie.

The **Edo Kidnappers Armoury was particularly linked to activities along the Benin–Akure Road corridor, a flashpoint for recent abductions, including passengers from the New Edo Line.

Head of the Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed that advanced surveillance equipment, drones, and military units have been deployed, with the squad acting on real-time distress calls from local residents.

“Edo must be made unsafe for criminals. That is the governor’s directive, and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Security operatives trekked deep into the forests, identifying suspected hideouts and reinforcing government presence in vulnerable communities. Although no arrests have yet been made, the operation is being described as a preventive strike aimed at dismantling potential kidnapping bases.

Eribo Emwanta, a member of the squad, stressed that the operation will be ongoing, with Governor Okpebholo personally monitoring activities and committed to decisive action against kidnappers.

Community leaders, including Osaro Ehiozomwangie, the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, and resident Ighodaro Michael**, praised the government’s intervention.

They described it as long overdue relief for overstretched local hunters and called for continued logistical support to sustain the efforts.

As part of the show-of-force strategy, the security team also conducted visible patrols across towns such as Sobe, Ekpoma, Irrua, and Uromi, to reassure residents and discourage criminal activity.

Also read: Kidnapped Edo Seminarians: Hope Rises as Catholic Diocese Appeals for Release

While the Edo Kidnappers Armoury discovery is a major milestone, security officials say it’s only the beginning of a broader state-wide crackdown to reclaim the forests and rural roads from criminal networks.