Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of coordinated clearance operations across parts of Edo State.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps under Operation KO SALO, began on May 12, 2026, targeting criminal hideouts in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.
According to a statement issued by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 4 Brigade, troops raided several locations including Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, Ekeke Forest, Uwarlor-Oke Forest, and Emu Forest.
During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, Markus Ballu, and Godknows Owonoji were arrested. Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects, who were alleged to be collaborators and logistics suppliers for kidnappers.
In a separate operation within Owan East LGA, troops arrested Bala Mahmood and Ibrahim Abdullahi after clearing criminal camps in Ekeke Forest and surrounding settlements. Dangerous weapons and a mobile phone were reportedly recovered from them.
Troops also carried out operations in Uwarlor-Oke Forest and Udo Government Reserve Forest, where seven more suspected kidnappers were arrested. Those apprehended included Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh, and Gadafi Tukur. Recovered items included a motorcycle and mobile phones.
Meanwhile, troops alongside police operatives and local vigilantes conducted further raids in Emu Forest, Esan South-East LGA, where they recovered a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle from criminal camps.
All suspects and recovered items have been handed over to relevant police divisions for investigation and prosecution.
Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the offensive against kidnapping and other criminal activities across Edo State.
He also called on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring the public of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.