Security operatives nab 113 in raids on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo

By Ayox Ojo

Security operatives have arrested 113 suspected kidnappers in a joint, coordinated raids on the identified zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen in central senatorial district of Edo State.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for Edo Police Command who revealed this in a statement on Thursday said the coordinated raid followed information that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators were converging in the settlements to receive ransom payments, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public.

Ikoedem said the daring, intelligence-driven operation was carried out at about 0300hrs on Thursday with Edo Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika leading the massive joint security sweep across strategic locations in Edo Central.

The Edo Police spokesperson listed other agencies involved in the synchronized enforcement action on the suspected kidnappers’ den to include the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and local hunters.

“Coordinated raids on the identified zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen were carried out where actionable intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators converge to receive ransom payments, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public.

“The precision raids yielded the arrest of a total of one hundred and thirteen (113) suspects. All suspects are currently undergoing thorough profiling to ascertain their level of involvement,” Ikoedem said.

He added that those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

The spokesperson also quoted Edo Commissioner of Police as reiterating that the Command’s onslaught against kidnapping organised networks will remain relentless and uncompromising.

“He emphasized that the Police will not only target armed elements in the forests but will equally intensify efforts to degrade their financial and human support systems across the State.

“He further calls on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

“The Edo State Police Command remains firm, proactive, and battle-ready to safeguard lives and property. The warning is unequivocal: there will be no sanctuary for kidnappers or their collaborators anywhere in Edo State,” the statement concluded.