At least 113 suspected kidnappers have been arrested in Edo state following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation targeting alleged ransom collection points in the state.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday at identified “zango” settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen communities across Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts.
Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the operation was part of a decisive crackdown on kidnapping networks operating within the State.
According to her, the operation, which commenced about 3:00 a.m., was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika.
”The police chief mobilised a joint task force comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilante groups and hunters.”
Ikoedem stated that credible intelligence had revealed that the identified “zango” settlements were being used as convergence points where suspected kidnappers and their collaborators discreetly received ransom payments, regrouped and blended with unsuspecting members of the public.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, security operatives carried out synchronised raids on the settlements, leading to the mass arrest of the suspects,” she said.
The police spokesman added that all 113 individuals are currently undergoing thorough profiling to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping and other related criminal activities.
“Those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement noted.
The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Agbonika, as reiterating that the onslaught against kidnapping syndicates in the state would remain relentless and uncompromising.
He stressed that beyond targeting armed elements in forest hideouts, security agencies would intensify efforts to dismantle the financial and human support structures sustaining kidnapping operations across Edo State.
Agbonika also urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
…5 worshippers
In a related development, gunmen suspected to be Lakurawa bandits have killed 5 Muslim worshippers in a mosque at Dadinkowa town during the night Tarawihi prayer this Wednesday.
Three others received gunshot injuries during the attack which left the residents of the town in shock.
The criminals stormed the Dadinkowa Mosque in Maiyama Local Government area and opened fire on the congregation.
Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the attack, saying the terrorists targeted the mosque in retaliation for their earlier military defeat.
“The attack was a reprisal attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits aftermath of failed ambush on troops of the Nigerian Army of the 8 Division,” he said.
On February 24, the GOC and the Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major-General Bemgha Koughna, came under gunfire on their way to visit frontline troops deployed to Kebbi.
” The GOC’s convoy, while navigating the forest terrain near Mayama Hill, were attacked by armed men believed to be Lakurawa bandits.
“Troops responded with superior firepower, and neutralised five of them.
“Wednesday’s attack in Mosque is seen as reprisal action by the bandits,” the PPRO narrated.… See more
