In a series of coordinated operations across Edo North and Central senatorial districts, troops from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 12 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities.
The operations, which commenced on May 12, 2026, targeted known hideouts and suspected supply routes in the Owan East, Esan South-East, and Esan North-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, disclosed the details in a press statement released on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. According to the statement, the arrests were made during a combination of clearing operations and cordon-and-search tactics.
The initial phase of the operation focused on locations including Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, and Egoro Amede Village, culminating in a search of the Rugan Fulani settlement. During this phase, three suspects – Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30) – were apprehended in Olelo Forest.
Further operations extended to Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani, all situated within the Owan East Local Government Area. Here, troops arrested Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25). Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects detained at Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and the Rugan Fulani settlement were acting as collaborators and logistical support providers for kidnapping gangs.
Recovered items included two motorcycles, two mobile phones, dangerous weapons, and a Tecno mobile phone, all of which have been handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate operation, troops targeted Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area. This led to the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers: Isah Shehu (25), Hamadu Safiyanu (22), Tijani Shehu (24), Yahaya Babangida (25), Usman Hamza (26), Abduladi Saleh (23), and Gadafi Tukur (27), all found within the Uwarlor-Oke Forest. A motorcycle and two Itel mobile phones were recovered from this group and turned over to the Amendokhian Police Division.
Additionally, a joint operation involving the Army, the Nigerian Police Force, and local vigilantes was conducted at Emu Forest in Emu, Esan South-East Local Government Area. An extensive search of Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp resulted in the discovery of a locally made long-barreled gun and a motorcycle, which were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
Captain Anyanwu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to ongoing operations aimed at eradicating criminal elements from Edo State, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
