Troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during coordinated clearance operations in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The operations, code-named Operation KO SALO, commenced on May 12, 2026, targeting identified criminal hideouts across forests and settlements in the affected areas.
During operations at Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and Rugan Fulani settlement, troops arrested three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20; Markus Ballu, 35; and Godknows Owonoji, 30. Recovered items included two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.
In a separate operation at Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East LGA, troops arrested Bala Mahmood, 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25. Dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone were recovered from the suspects.
Troops also carried out clearance operations in Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East LGA and Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East LGA, where seven additional suspects 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.
Recovered items from the suspects included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division.
Meanwhile, troops, alongside police operatives and local vigilantes, also raided camps in Emu Forest, Esan South-East LGA.
During the operation, security personnel 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 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain ongoing offensives against criminal elements across Edo State.
He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Balogun also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support toward ongoing operations.