Troops of the 4 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of clearance operations across Edo State.
The operations, codenamed Operation KO SALO, began on May 12, 2026, and targeted criminal hideouts in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.
During raids on Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and the Rugan Fulani settlement, security operatives arrested three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30). Authorities recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects, who were allegedly supplying logistics to kidnapping gangs. They were later handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.
In a related operation around Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East LGA, troops apprehended Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25). Dangerous weapons and a mobile phone were recovered from them, while the suspects were transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for prosecution.
Troops also stormed Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East LGA and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East LGA, where seven additional 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). One motorcycle and two mobile phones were recovered during the operation, and the suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division.
Meanwhile, troops in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes carried out further operations in Emu Forest, Esan South-East LGA. During the search of Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, security operatives recovered a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle, which were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the troops for their professionalism and urged them to maintain the momentum in dismantling kidnappers’ camps across the state.
He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and encouraged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
Balogun also commended the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic leadership and support toward the success of the operations.
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