Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 4 Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of clearance operations in Edo State.
The operations, code-named “Operation KO SALO,” commenced on May 12, 2026, across Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.
According to military authorities, troops carried out raids on several locations including Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and Rugan Fulani settlements as part of efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts in the state.
During operations at Olelo Forest, security operatives arrested three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20; Markus Ballu, 35; and Godknows Owonoji, 30. Recovered items included two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects acted as collaborators and logistics suppliers for kidnapping gangs operating within the area. They were subsequently 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, leading to the arrest of Bala Mahmood, 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25.
Security operatives recovered dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone from the suspects, who were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for further action.
Troops further extended operations to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the raid, seven additional suspects identified as Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh, and Gadafi Tukur were arrested.
Items recovered from the suspects included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, troops working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes also conducted operations in Emu Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The joint operation involved extensive searches of Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, where security personnel recovered a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle. The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
Commander of the 4 Brigade, Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the ongoing operations aimed at dismantling kidnappers’ camps across Edo State.
He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property through continuous offensive operations against criminal elements.
Balogun also called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
The Brigade Commander further appreciated the support and strategic guidance of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Chinedu Nnebeife, which he said had contributed to operational successes in the region.
