Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, operating under the 2 Division, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of coordinated security operations across parts of Edo State.
The operations, code-named “Operation KO SALO”, were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas beginning from May 12, 2026.
This was made known in a statement by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Kennedy Anyanwu, shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to the statement, troops conducted clearance operations in Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and the Rugan Fulani settlement.
During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20, Markus Ballu, 35, and Godknows Owonoji, 30, were arrested.
Security operatives recovered two motorcycles and two mobile phones from the suspects. Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspects to kidnapping activities as collaborators and logistics suppliers.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation.
In a related operation, troops extended the raid to Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area, where two additional suspects, Bala Mahmood, 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 25, were apprehended.
Items recovered during the operation include dangerous weapons and a Tecno mobile phone.
The suspects and exhibits were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division.
The military further intensified operations in Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Seven suspected kidnappers — Isah Shehu, Hamadu Safiyanu, Tijani Shehu, Yahaya Babangida, Usman Hamza, Abduladi Saleh, and Gadafi Tukur were arrested during the operation.
Troops recovered one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones from the suspects, who were later handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for prosecution.
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Meanwhile, joint troops comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilantes also carried out operations at Emu Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the raid on Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, security personnel recovered a locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle. The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division.
The Nigerian Army said operations are ongoing to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore security across Edo State.
Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal groups operating in the state.
He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called on the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
Balogun also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for what he described as strategic guidance and support towards the success of the operations.
