Relief in Edo Communities as Security Squad Uncovers Kidnappers’ Camps

Residents of several communities in Edo State have expressed relief after the state’s Special Security Squad uncovered armouries and abandoned hideouts believed to be used by kidnappers in forest areas across the state.

The discoveries were made during a three-day bush-combing exercise that covered Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.

Particular attention was paid to the Benin–Akure Road corridor, a hotspot where kidnappers recently struck.

According to the squad, the operation led to the recovery of locally made weapons, including two double-barrel guns and a live cartridge.

Security officials also identified abandoned camps deep inside the Ugboha forest, which they suspect had been used to keep kidnap victims.

The operation comes just days after armed assailants killed eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Okpella, kidnapped a Chinese national, and abducted passengers along the Benin–Auchi Road.

Community leaders say the latest exercise has brought a sense of relief.

Osaro Ehiozomwangie, the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, described the intervention as long overdue.

“We have lived under constant fear for too long. With this new effort, our people can at least begin to feel safe again,” he said.

A resident, Ighodaro Michael, echoed similar sentiments, noting that local hunters had been overstretched in their attempts to guard communities.

“This is a big relief for us. We need more support in terms of logistics, but at least now we know the government is taking action,” he remarked.

The Head of the Special Squad, Idemudia Noah, said the government was deploying technology, including drones, alongside military and police personnel to flush out criminal gangs.

“The governor is serious about making Edo unsafe for kidnappers. This is not a one-off exercise — we are going to sustain the pressure,” he assured.

Residents who lined the streets during a show-of-force across Sobe, Ekpoma, Irrua, Ugboha, and other towns welcomed the security presence, saying it reassured them of government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

While no arrests have been made yet, officials insist the operation is a preventive strike to dismantle criminal networks before they regroup.

For communities that have endured repeated abductions, the presence of boots in the forests is already making a difference.