12 Suspected K!dnappers Arrested as Nigerian Army Raids Forest Hideouts in Edo
12 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested as Nigerian Army Raids Forest Hideouts in Edo
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army under 2 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of clearance operations across parts of Edo State.
The operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, began on May 12, 2026, targeting criminal hideouts in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.
During the operation, troops stormed Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and carried out cordon-and-search operations at Rugan Fulani settlements. At Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, Markus Ballu, and Godknows Owonoji were arrested.
Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers for kidnapping gangs. They were later handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.
In another operation, troops cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area, where Bala Mahmood and Ibrahim Abdullahi were arrested. Dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone were recovered from the suspects.
Troops also extended operations to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area. Seven additional suspects — Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh, and Gadafi Tukur — were arrested during the raid.
Recovered items included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.
Meanwhile, troops alongside police operatives and local vigilantes also raided Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp in Emu Forest, where a locally made long barrel gun and a motorcycle were recovered.
Commander of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the offensive against criminal elements across Edo State.
He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property while calling on members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
