Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 4 Brigade have intensified the fight against kidnapping in Edo State with the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers during coordinated security operations across several forests and communities in the state.
The operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts terrorising local communities.
Security sources disclosed that the clearance operations, which commenced on May 12, targeted notorious hideouts in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas where suspected kidnappers and criminal gangs were believed to be operating.
During the first phase of the operation, troops stormed Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village and the Rugan Fulani settlement where intensive cordon-and-search operations were conducted.
Three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, Markus Ballu and Godknows Owonoji were arrested inside Olelo Forest during the raid. Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations by security agencies reportedly revealed that the suspects allegedly served as collaborators and logistics suppliers for kidnapping gangs operating within the area.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution as authorities deepen efforts to uncover wider criminal networks.
In another coordinated raid, troops advanced into Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area where two additional suspects, Bala Mahmood and Ibrahim Abdullahi, were apprehended.
Security personnel also recovered dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone during the operation, further reinforcing intelligence reports linking the area to criminal activities.
The anti-kidnapping offensive later shifted to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area where troops recorded another breakthrough.
Seven suspected kidnappers including Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh and Gadafi Tukur were arrested during the forest clearance exercise.
Items recovered from the suspects included a motorcycle and two itel mobile phones, while the suspects were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.
In a related operation, troops working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups conducted extensive searches around Emu Forest in Esan South-East where security operatives raided Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp.
During the raid, security forces recovered a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle believed to have been used by criminal elements operating within the forest corridors.
Commending the troops for what he described as professionalism and operational courage, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, charged security personnel to sustain the offensive against kidnappers and criminal gangs across Edo State while reassuring residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
