Edo security outfit arrests 18 suspected kidnappers
Edo State Security Corps has apprehended 18 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers along the Benin-Auchi Road axis of the state, recovering 38 locally-made guns, pellets and several charms in the process.
The Corps Commandant, Friday Ibadin, who made this known in a press statement on Saturday, said the arrest was made on Friday during a bush combing along Benin -Auchi road by Equedion camp, close to Army Checkpoint.
Identifying 17 out of the 18 arrested suspects as non-indigenes, Ibadin reassured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring and providing an enabling environment for them during this farming season, stressing that his men will continue to assert more effort to ensure the state is completely rid of criminals.
Ibadin said, “Today, 14th February 2025, while on patrol along Benin-Auchi Road by Eguedion Camp, close to soldiers checkpoint, two persons were sighted holding guns. On sighting my men, they took to their heels. They were chased to a camp where 18 persons were arrested.
“17 of the 18 arrested suspects are non-indigenes, while one is an indigene from the Agbede community. 38 fully loaded locally made guns and charms were also recovered in the process.
“Our men will continue to comb the bushes and sensitise locals to ensure our forests are rid of these criminals and that Edo State is safe and secured for all.”
While handing over the suspected criminals to the DPO of Agbede Police Station, Ibadin sued for closer synergy between the corps and other security agencies in the state, stressing that a collaborative effort is needed to completely rid the state of criminal elements.
This arrest by men of ESSC is coming a few days after the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, asked security agencies to flush out criminals in the state and make Edo forests and bushes safe and secure for farmers and Edo people in general.
