The Edo State Government has ramped up its war on kidnappers and cultists, rolling out an aggressive, state-wide security offensive that dismantled suspected criminal camps and recovered weapons.
The operation—codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers was directly supervised by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer. 
It spanned Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan South-East LGAs, with heightened focus on the Benin–Akure Road corridor, where passengers of a transport company were recently abducted.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement on Thursday indicated that security operatives recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and a live cartridge in Osa-Somba and Idunwingie.
“In Ugboha forest, they discovered abandoned hideouts believed to be used by kidnappers. Advanced surveillance technology, drones, and joint forces from the army, police, and local vigilantes are now being deployed to track the fleeing suspects.’
Security official Idemudia Noah declared: “This administration will make Edo too unsafe for criminals. They have no place to hide.”
According to the statement, Community leaders, including the Okhighele of Eko-Ekpeti, Mr. Osaro Ehiozomwangie, praised the decisive action. “With sustained government support, we can ensure these criminals never return to terrorize our communities,” he said.
Beyond the raids, the statement said there was a show-of-force patrol that swept through Sobe, Ozalla, Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi, Ugboha, and other hotspots, reinforcing the government’s resolve to secure the state.
The statement further quoted officials to have described the operation as a pre-emptive strike that has weakened kidnap networks and restored confidence among residents.
Governor Okpebholo, who is personally monitoring the crackdown, has vowed to sustain the momentum until Edo is free from criminal threats.
