Troops Bust Kidnappers’ Den in Edo, Arrest 12 Suspects

Troops of the 4 Brigade, under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during coordinated clearance operations across Edo State.
The operations, codenamed Operation KO SALO, commenced on 12 May 2026 in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas, targeting forests and settlements believed to serve as hideouts for kidnapping syndicates.

According to a statement by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, troops cleared Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and carried out cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement.

During the operation, three suspects — Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30) — were arrested at Olelo Forest. Recovered items included two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly acted as collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers. They were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.

In a related operation, troops cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East LGA, where two additional suspects, Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25), were arrested.
Security operatives recovered dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone from the suspects, who were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for prosecution.

The troops further extended operations to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East LGA and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East LGA, leading to the arrest of seven other suspected kidnappers.
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 a motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.

Similarly, troops working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes conducted operations in Emu Forest, Esan South-East LGA, where Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp were extensively searched.
During the operation, security personnel recovered one locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle, which were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the operational momentum aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across Edo State.

Balogun reassured residents of the Brigade’s commitment to intensifying offensive operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

He also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support, which he said had enhanced operational effectiveness.