May 20, (THEWILL) — Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, operating under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have intensified ongoing anti-kidnapping operations in Edo State, leading to the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and collaborators during a series of coordinated clearance missions across multiple forests and criminal hideouts in Owan East, Esan South-East and Esan North-East Local Government Areas.
THEWILL reports that the operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, was conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, as well as the Edo State Security Corps, in what military authorities described as part of sustained efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore security across vulnerable communities in the state.
The extensive security sweep, which commenced on May 12, 2026, targeted several identified criminal enclaves, forest camps and suspected logistics bases believed to be aiding kidnapping syndicates operating within the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, troops carried out aggressive clearance operations in Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village and the Rugan Fulani settlement, where several suspects linked to kidnapping activities were apprehended.
The Army disclosed that three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20; Markus Ballu, 35; and Godknows Owonoji, 30, were arrested during operations at Olelo Forest.
Security operatives also recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects. Preliminary investigations, according to the military, revealed that the arrested individuals allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnapping gangs operating within the forest corridors.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
In another phase of the operation, troops stormed Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area, where two additional suspects were arrested.
The suspects, identified as Bala Mahmood, aged 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, aged 25, were reportedly found in possession of dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone believed to be connected to criminal activities.
Military authorities confirmed that the suspects were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for further profiling and prosecution.
The coordinated crackdown further extended to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest located in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the forest sweep, troops arrested seven additional suspected kidnappers identified as Isah Shehu, 25; Hamadu Safiyanu, 22; Tijani Shehu, 24; Yahaya Babangida, 25; Usman Hamza, 26; Abduladi Saleh, 23; and Gadafi Tukur, 27.
Recovered items from the suspects included one motorcycle and two Itel mobile phones. The military stated that the suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for necessary legal action.
In a related development, troops working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilante groups carried out further offensive operations in Emu Forest, located in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the operation, security forces conducted extensive searches on identified camps known as Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp.
Although no arrests were announced in that particular operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated long-barreled gun and a motorcycle suspected of being used for criminal activities.
The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division for further investigation.
Military authorities noted that the operations remain ongoing, stressing that troops would continue to dominate identified forests and ungoverned spaces across Edo State in a bid to flush out criminal elements and deny kidnappers freedom of movement.
Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended officers and soldiers involved in the operation for their professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness.
He charged the troops to sustain the momentum until all criminal hideouts across the state are completely dismantled.
Balogun reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against kidnapping and related crimes.
The Brigade Commander also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations and improve community safety.
He further expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for providing strategic guidance and operational support that have continued to strengthen the Brigade’s effectiveness in combating insecurity across the region.
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