Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports, the operation was carried out in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters during a bush-combing mission aimed at flushing out criminal elements from forested areas of the region.

👮‍♂️ Police Recover AK-47, Live Ammunition, and Phones

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said the police acted on credible intelligence which led to a joint operation with community-based security networks.

He explained that the team encountered armed suspects along the railway track leading to Ubiaja, where the kidnappers opened fire on sighting the operatives.

“Our men responded swiftly. In the exchange of gunfire, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized while others escaped with bullet injuries,” Yamu said.

The police recovered the following items from the scene:

• One AK-47 rifle

• 33 rounds of live ammunition

• Two mobile phones belonging to the suspects

🔫 Another Raid in Esan South East

In a related operation, police personnel conducting another bush-combing exercise in Idumogun Community, Ukoni area of Esan South East LGA, recovered an English-made double-barreled shotgun and two live cartridges abandoned by fleeing suspects.

The operations are part of the Command’s renewed efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crimes across Edo State’s rural corridors.

🗣️ Police Appeal for Public Support

CSP Yamu urged residents to remain vigilant and to share credible information that can aid security agencies in tackling criminal activities.

“We call on communities to strengthen our community safety partnership and support informal policing initiatives. Together, we can ensure a safer Edo State,” he said.

🚨 Background

Edo State, particularly the Esan axis, has witnessed several coordinated security operations in recent months as police intensify efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts in forests and along the rail line between Igueben, Ubiaja, and Ekpoma.

The latest success reinforces the Command’s determination under Commissioner of Police Funsho Adegboye to maintain peace and protect residents across Edo’s 18 local government areas.