The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has praised the Department of State Services for apprehending five individuals suspected of being high-profile kidnappers who have been operating in the state’s forests.

On Wednesday, DSS operatives, acting on reliable intelligence, located the suspects in two distinct hideouts within the state.

These individuals are believed to be part of a gang that has been instilling fear in the Udi Local Government Area and surrounding regions.

According to a statement, the kidnappers admitted to having received substantial amounts of money as ransom from the families of their victims.

Recovered items from the suspects included significant sums of money derived from their criminal activities, as well as firearms and other hazardous materials.

The governor emphasized that the DSS, in collaboration with the military, police, and other security forces, along with state-owned forest guards, will continue their efforts to track down remaining gang members and conduct raids on their camps and hideouts in the forests.

No fewer than 57,370 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) have been seized by the Nigeria Customs Service in Adamawa and Taraba states.

The seizure is part of the NCS’s renewed war against smuggling activities in the North-East, under an operation called Operation Whirlwind.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Yola, Adamawa State, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussain Ejibunu, stated that the seizures resulted from modern technology introduced into the service by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir.

He noted that the smuggling of PMS remained a significant challenge, driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick profits.

Ejibunu said, “In Gembu, Taraba State, a seizure of 1,149 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, containing 30 litres each, was made—amounting to a total volume of 34,470 litres.

Earlier this month, our dedicated officers intercepted and seized 916 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, yielding a total volume of 22,900 litres at the flashpoints of Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel in Adamawa State.

“This operation was intelligence-driven and executed with precision, reflecting the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguarding our nation’s resources and ensuring compliance with the law.”

The Customs boss disclosed that the seized items, with an estimated Duty Paid Value of N22,900,000, were being transported through unauthorised routes for illicit trade, which undermines Nigeria’s economy and security.

“This interception is not just a victory for the Nigeria Customs Service but also a testament to the effectiveness and collaborative support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies,” he stated.

Ejibunu assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to adapt and innovate in its fight against smuggling, leveraging technology, intelligence, and collaboration to stay ahead of criminal elements.

Task Force operatives of Edo State Government, on Friday, destroyed a major hideout used by kidnappers in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District in its continued effort to curb kidnapping in the state.

The Task Force, during the operation, cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor being used by kidnappers.

The exercise was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, aimed to eliminate criminal hideouts and improve visibility for enhanced security surveillance.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West. He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.

He said, “If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West.

This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State.”

The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.

“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.

He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.

Meanwhile, some residents who preferred to remain anonymous confirmed that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.