Edo State security operation dismantles kidnappers’ camps in Owan East, restoring confidence, boosting safety, and signaling government’s determination to end violent crime.
The ongoing Edo State security operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” has dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks in Edo North.
Security forces uncovered and destroyed five suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Ekeke Erah Forest, Owan East Local Government Area, during a six-hour raid that officials say marks a turning point in the battle against violent crime.
Led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor, the mission was conducted in close collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and other security agencies.
The joint approach highlights a new strategy in Edo that merges state coordination, federal support, and grassroots intelligence.
The operation required trekking nearly five kilometres into the thick forest between Afuze and Ora.
Security operatives, relying on intelligence gathered over several weeks, targeted the area after reports of suspicious movements and frequent abductions along the highway.
Squad member Eribo Ewanta briefed journalists after the mission.
“We discovered five camps with clear evidence that criminals had just fled. At one site, firewood was still burning and a pot of food left cooking. This proves the camps were in active use by kidnappers before our arrival,” Ewanta explained.
The destruction of the camps underscores the determination of the Edo State security operation to dismantle every hideout used to terrorize rural communities.
The mission was not without resistance. As operatives approached a riverbank, suspected kidnappers opened fire while retreating deeper into the forest.
“We engaged them in a serious gun battle,” Ewanta said.
“Though they escaped into the bush, we are on their trail. Their camps have been dismantled. Edo will no longer be a safe haven for kidnappers.”
Investigators also noticed signs of cattle grazing in the area, raising suspicion that some hideouts may have links to armed herdsmen who exploit forests for cover.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has consistently made security the bedrock of his administration.
From his first days in office, he ordered security agencies to adopt an aggressive, intelligence-driven approach to crime.
Ewanta reaffirmed that the squad is fully committed to the governor’s instruction.
“The governor’s message is very clear: Edo must be free of kidnappers, cultists, and violent gangs. We are battle-ready. This is just the beginning of a relentless campaign,” he declared.
The success in Owan East is being seen as proof that the government’s directive is no longer just rhetoric but action on the ground.
For many residents in Owan East, the raid brings long-awaited relief. The Ekeke Erah Forest had gained a reputation for kidnappings and violent ambushes, making farmers and travelers easy prey.
Community leader Chief Emmanuel Ojeifo praised the effort: “For years we have cried out about these forests. People were afraid to farm or travel.
“Now, with these camps destroyed, we finally feel hope again. We only ask that the government keeps the pressure on so criminals don’t return.”
Local vigilante groups also played a crucial role, guiding operatives through difficult terrain and sharing intelligence from within the community. Analysts say this kind of partnership is vital for sustained peace.
The Edo State security operation is part of a broader campaign against rising insecurity in the region.
Edo, like many states in Nigeria, has struggled with recurring cases of abduction, cult clashes, and violent robberies.
According to security trackers, Edo North has recorded dozens of kidnapping incidents in the past three years, many of them along highways linking the state with neighboring Ondo and Kogi. The forest belts in Owan and Akoko-Edo have become notorious hideouts.
By targeting and destroying five camps, security forces have disrupted criminal logistics, weakening the ability of gangs to coordinate or house victims.
However, experts warn that follow-up raids and a permanent security presence are essential to prevent regrouping.
Ewanta commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, stressing that political will has made the operation possible.
“This raid is a clear message to criminals that Edo will no longer tolerate their presence. The governor has shown firm resolve, and the people can see results,” he said.
Observers believe the operation’s timing is also strategic, as public demand for stronger security has been growing. By taking visible action, the government is restoring faith in its ability to safeguard lives and property.
Analysts note that while the dismantling of five camps is a major step forward, sustained success depends on constant pressure.
Criminals often abandon camps only to regroup elsewhere. Continuous surveillance, community vigilance, and investment in technology such as drones could help close those gaps.
Residents are also being urged to remain cooperative with authorities. Reporting strange activities, sharing intelligence, and resisting collaboration with criminals are key steps in ensuring that Edo remains safe.
The destruction of five kidnappers’ camps in Owan East signals a decisive victory in the ongoing Edo State security operation.
Though suspects escaped during the raid, the loss of their operational base weakens their capacity and sends a strong warning to others.
For the first time in years, residents of Owan East can breathe a sigh of relief, hopeful that safety is returning to their communities.
With the governor’s clear directive, the resilience of security operatives, and the support of local vigilantes, Edo State is charting a new path toward peace and stability.
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