November 19, (THEWILL) — The 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, has intensified its offensive against kidnapping syndicates operating along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, arresting four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated operation.
Parading the suspects at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, the Operation Officer, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, said troops conducted a decisive cordon and search operation in the early hours of Sunday, following sustained reports of abductions along the corridor.
According to him, the operation yielded significant breakthroughs, including the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
“During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities. Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items”, Captain Omotosho said.
The Army also impounded two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander — alongside additional exhibits displayed during the parade.
Omotosho explained that kidnapping incidents along the Ahor–Uselu-Nahor route had become increasingly worrisome in recent months, prompting intensified joint operations with other security agencies. He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”
Despite the arrests, all four suspects denied involvement in kidnapping activities and gave differing accounts of how they were apprehended.
Frank Anthony claimed he was asleep in a house he was temporarily staying in because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.
Endurance Egwasa of Ahor community said soldiers arrived while he was at home with his partner.
Another suspect, Sunday Alex, said he had only travelled to attend a burial and decided to spend the night in the village.
The fourth suspect, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he rented a room after attending a burial that ended late.
The Army maintained that the crackdown is part of a wider strategy to dismantle criminal networks terrorising communities around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor and neighbouring locations. Security agencies in the state have stepped up joint patrols and intelligence-driven operations to restore safety on major routes and rural settlements affected by repeated attacks.
The Brigade assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are stamped out. The Edo State Government has also reiterated its support for military and security formations working to maintain peace and stability across the state.
The Army described the latest arrests as a significant stride toward achieving lasting security in Edo.
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