Troops Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers, Dismantle Criminal Hideouts in Edo Forests
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of coordinated clearance operations across parts of Edo State.
The operations, conducted in conjunction with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Owan East, Esan South-East and Esan North-East Local Government Areas under the ongoing security campaign code-named Operation KO SALO.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the operations commenced on May 12, 2026, and led to the arrest of several suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
The statement disclosed that troops first cleared Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village and conducted cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement.
During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20, Markus Ballu, 35, and Godknows Owonoji, 30, were arrested.
Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Army, revealed that the suspects allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnapping gangs operating within the area.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In another operation, troops reportedly cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Bala Mahmood, 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25.
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Security operatives recovered dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone from the suspects, who were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division.
Similarly, troops extended operations to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the operation, seven suspected kidnappers — Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh and Gadafi Tukur — were apprehended within the Uwarlor-Oke Forest axis.
Recovered items included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones.
The suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.
The Army further disclosed that troops, working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, also carried out operations in Emu Forest located in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the raid, troops searched Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, recovering one locally fabricated long-barrel gun and a motorcycle.
The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, charged personnel to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling kidnappers’ enclaves across Edo State.
He reassured residents of the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained offensive operations against criminal elements.
Balogun also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
The Brigade Commander further appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for what he described as strategic guidance and support that has enhanced operational effectiveness across the brigade’s area of responsibility.