In a press statement released on Saturday, Edo State Security Corps Commandant Friday Ibadin announced that the agency had arrested 18 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers along the state’s Benin-Auchi Road axis, recovering 38 locally made guns, pellets, and several charms in the process.
He identified 17 of the 18 arrested suspects as non-indigenes and assured residents that the government would continue to make every effort to ensure the state is free 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.”
Ibadin argued for greater coordination between the corps and other state security agencies while turning over the suspected criminals to the DPO of Agbede Police Station. He emphasized that a coordinated effort is required to fully purge the state of criminal elements.
This arrest by men of ESSC is coming a few days after the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, requested security forces to ferret out criminals in the state and make Edo woodlands and bushes safe and secure for farmers and Edo people in general.
