The Edo State Police Command on Monday said it had arrested two suspects for unlawful possession of firearms during a bush-combing exercise in the state.

A statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, identified the suspects as Julius Omagbogwu, 30, and Omika Musa, 45.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command, in its continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and mop up illegal firearms, has recorded another success through a well-coordinated bush-combing operation carried out by operatives of Ehor Division.

“On 31st October 2025, at about 08:00hrs, operatives of Ehor Division led by CSP Akwaha Steven, the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with local vigilante personnel, embarked on an intensive but routine bush-combing exercise within Egbisi, Equaholor, and Uhi areas.

“The operation was aimed at dislodging criminals using the thick bushes as cover. This yielded positive results as three single-barrel shotguns were recovered, while two suspects identified as Julius Omagbogwu, 30, and Omika Musa, 45, were arrested in connection with unlawful possession of firearms.

“Preliminary investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to trace the source of the recovered firearms and smash the organised criminal network linked to the suspects.”

Ikoedem said that the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the Divisional Police Officer, Ehor Division, and his team—especially the local vigilantes—for their commitment, vigilance, and proactive intelligence-gathering that led to the recovery.

He further assured residents that the command remains resolute in its mission to keep communities across the state secure, while calling on citizens with any useful information to report through the command’s official numbers.

On March 28, 2025, an angry mob killed seven travellers in Uromi, Edo Central, over their suspected involvement in kidnapping.

Guns were found in the truck taking them to the northern part of the country, which triggered the lynching of about 16 of them, with seven dying in the process.

This has not deterred the kidnapping of more citizens, as a retired headmaster identified as Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju was recently kidnapped near a Fulani settlement between Sasaro and Ayetoro along the dilapidated Igarra–Uneme-Nekhua–Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

It was gathered last Monday that his abductors have reportedly contacted the family and demanded ₦70 million as ransom.