By Gabriel Ameh
Benin City, Edo State — Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during coordinated clearance operations across parts of Edo State.
The operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps in Owan East, Esan South-East, and Esan North-East Local Government Areas.
According to the Army, the operations commenced on May 12, 2026, targeting suspected criminal hideouts and forest camps linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
During the first phase of the operation, troops cleared Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and carried out cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement.
Three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30) were arrested at Olelo Forest. Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects acted as collaborators and logistics suppliers for kidnapping gangs operating within the area. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.
In another operation conducted in Owan East Local Government Area, troops cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects — Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25).
Items recovered from the suspects included dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone. The suspects and exhibits were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for prosecution.
Similarly, troops stormed Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East, where seven suspected kidnappers were arrested.
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).
Security operatives recovered one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones during the operation. The suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.
In a related operation at Emu Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area, troops working alongside police officers and local vigilantes searched Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, recovering a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle.
The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the ongoing offensive against criminal elements across Edo State.
Balogun reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
He also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and operational support.
