The Edo State Joint Security Task Force has arrested seven suspected Kidnappers during a raid operation on the Upper Sakponba area of Benin City and riverine communities, the State Capital.

The suspects, all males, were arrested around Ogbemudia oil palm plantation on Saturday, November 21,barely 24 hours after the taskforce kicked into action.

According to the JSTF, the suspects were believed to be some of the criminals terrorising the State.

Prior to the raid operation, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Omozoje, had informed the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on their plans to curtail the rising insecurity situation in the State.

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General Omozoje also promised to support the State Government in capturing fleeing inmates from the two federal correctional facilities in Benin City.

Recall that several inmates escaped from two prisons in the State during the hijacked #EndSARS protest, a fight against police brutality, extortion and extrajudicial killings.

Maj. Gen. Omozoje also met with heads of security agencies, making a case on the need for synergy among the agencies with a view to restoring peace and order in the State.

On their operations in the riverine communities and other hotspots, he said: "Troops of the 4 brigade are on clearance operation at suspected kidnappers hideouts at Ogbemudia oil palm plantation and the river behind it. We intend to disrupt all kidnapping activities along the axis and secure the Benin-Auchi Expressway."

He also noted that several escaped prisoners and criminal gang leaders have been arrested, as the taskforce is focused on ensuring a reduction in crime in Benin metropolis and environs.

He added that he is in synergy with the Commander 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. UM Bello, and the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Zone 5, Mr. Sola Davis.

The insecurity situation in Edo State is currently on the upswing as several criminal activities have been reported in the State recently.

Read Also: GUNMEN ATTACK POLICE STATION IN EDO, CART AWAY WEAPONS

Eons Intelligence had reported that suspected bandits on Friday reportedly abducted the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government area of the State, Prof. Waziri Edokpa.

Edokpa, a professor in the department of mathematics and statistics of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, was kidnapped along the Benin-Abuja Highway.

Shortly after the abduction of the LG boss, passengers of a popular Benin-based transport company travelling to Abuja were also abducted by gunmen. The bus driver was reportedly killed.

On November 10, Suspected armed robbers attacked the divisional police headquarters at Igueben, Edo State, and carted away arms and ammunition.

The armed men also injured two police officers during the attack.