At least seven suspected kidnappers have been apprehended by the Edo State Joint Security Taskforce during a raid at the Upper Sokponba, Benin, and riverine communities.

The suspected kidnappers, comprising seven males, were arrested around Ogbemudia oil palm plantation on Saturday.

Prior to the operation, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Omozoje, had intimated Governor Godwin Obaseki on their activity in the state, promising to bring a halt to the recent rise in criminality and lend support to efforts at capturing fleeing escapees from the two federal correctional facilities in Benin City, the state capital.

Omozoje also met with heads of security agencies in the state, 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 task force 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.