Army Intensifies Anti-Kidnapping War, Captures 12 Suspects in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during coordinated clearance operations in parts of Edo State.

The operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, commenced on May 12, 2026, in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas under the code name “Operation KO SALO.”

According to the Army, troops raided several suspected criminal hideouts, including Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village and Rugan Fulani settlements.

During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20; Markus Ballu, 35; and Godknows Owonoji, 30, were arrested. Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnapping gangs. They were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.

In a related operation at Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East LGA, troops arrested two additional suspects identified as Bala Mahmood, 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25. Dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone were recovered from them.

Similarly, troops extended operations to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East LGA and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East LGA, where seven suspected kidnappers were apprehended.

The suspects were identified as Isah Shehu, 25; Hamadu Safiyanu, 22; Tijani Shehu, 24; Yahaya Babangida, 25; Usman Hamza, 26; Abduladi Saleh, 23; and Gadafi Tukur, 27.

Items recovered during the raid included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.

Meanwhile, troops working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes also carried out operations in Emu Forest, Esan South-East LGA, where they searched Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp.

A locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle were recovered during the exercise, while the exhibits were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.

Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the momentum against criminal elements across the state.

He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to eliminating kidnapping and safeguarding lives and property, while also calling on members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.