Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested 18 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers along Benin – Auchi road recovering 38 locally made guns, pellets and several charms in the process.
The Corps Commandant, Commissioner, Friday Ibadin who made this known in a statement issued Saturday said the arrest was made during a bush combing exercise along Benin – Auchi road by Equedion Camp, close to Army Checkpoint.
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 were 18 persons were arrested.
“17 of the 18 arrested suspects are non – indigene while one is an indigene from 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 sensitize locals to ensure our forests are rid of this criminals and that Edo State is safe and secured for all.
“While handing over the suspected criminals to the DPO of Agbede Police Station, Comm Ibadin, Rtd, 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 recent arrest by men of Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) is coming few days after Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo gave a marching order to security agencies to flush out criminals in the state and make Edo forests and bushes safe and secured for farmers, and Edo people in general.”