The Edo State Security Corps has arrested 18 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovering 38 locally made guns and other items, during a sting operation in the state.

The corps commandant, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin City.

Ibadin said the suspects were nabbed along the Benin-Auchi Road during a bush-combing operation near Equedion Camp, close to an army checkpoint. He added that pellets and charms were also recovered from them.

He revealed that 17 of the suspects were non-indigenes of Edo State, while the only indigene among them hailed from the Agbede community in Etsako West Local Government Area.

“On February 14, 2025, while on patrol along the Benin-Auchi Road near Eguedion Camp, close to the soldiers’ checkpoint, two individuals were sighted holding guns. On spotting my men, they fled. They were pursued to a camp, where 18 suspects were arrested.

“Seventeen of the 18 arrested suspects are non-indigenes, while one is an indigene from the Agbede community. In the process, 38 fully loaded locally made guns and charms were also recovered,” he said.

Ibadin noted that the suspects had been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer at Agbede Police Station. He called for stronger synergy between security agencies to flush out criminal elements from the state.

He assured that his men would not relent in combing the bushes and sensitising local communities to rid Edo of criminals.

The corps commandant also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment, particularly for farmers as the planting season approaches.

The arrests came just days after Governor Monday Okpebholo, ordered security agencies to clear the state’s forests and bushes of criminals to make the environment safer for residents and farmers.