The Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, conducted a comprehensive bush combing operation at the notorious “Evil Forest” located at Ohosu, along the Benin-Lagos Road.
According to a statement released to Uptown Press Nigeria by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the operation commenced at approximately 0600hrs on Saturday, 26 April 2025, and spanned the entire day.
The exercise, which was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, involved the mobilisation of personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Network, Forest Security operatives, as well as local hunters.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy outlined by CP Agbonika to restore public confidence, particularly among farming communities, and to drive criminal elements out of the state’s forests and rural areas.
During the course of the operation, security operatives arrested one suspect, identified as Yunusa Alhaji Mumini, a 30-year-old male. He was found in possession of a single-barrel shotgun, one live cartridge, and a mobile phone. The suspect is currently under investigation and is assisting the police with further enquiries.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive security operations to flush out criminal networks hiding within Edo State’s forests. He further urged members of the public to continue providing useful information that could aid security efforts, assuring residents that the Command would leave no stone unturned in its quest to ensure a safer Edo State.
The Edo State Police Command also expressed appreciation to all sister agencies, local security groups, and communities for their cooperation and resilience in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and related crimes.
