Troops Bust Kidnappers’ Hideouts, Arrest 12 Suspects in Edo

TDTroops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, under 2 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have successfully dismantled several kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo State, arresting 12 suspects during clearance operations.

The operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, commenced on 12 May 2026 and covered multiple locations across Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas.

Key Arrests and Recoveries

• Olelo Forest (Owan East): Suspects arrested:
  • Ishaya Obadis (20),
  • Markus Ballu (35), and,
  • Godknows Owonoji (30).
• Items recovered:
  • Two motorcycles, and,
  • two mobile phones.

Preliminary investigations revealed they were collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers.

• Ekeke Forest & Ishiolili Village (Owan East): Suspects arrested:
  • Bala Mahmood (70), and
  • Ibrahim Abdullahi (25).
• Items recovered:
  • Dangerous weapons, and,
  • one Tecno mobile phone.
• Uwarlor-Oke Forest (Esan North-East) & Udo Government Reserve Forest (Esan South-East): Suspects arrested:
  • Seven individuals including:
    • Isah Shehu (25),
    • Hamadu Safiyanu (22),
    • Tijani Shehu (24),
    • Yahaya Babangida (25),
    • Usman Hamza (26),
    • Abduladi Saleh (23), and,
    • Gadafi Tukur (27).
  • Items recovered:
    • One motorcycle, and,
    • two itel mobile phones.
• Emu Forest (Esan South-East): Camps searched: Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp.
  • Items recovered:
    • One locally made long-barrel gun, and,
    • one motorcycle.

All suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Ekpoma, Amendokhian, and Ubiaja Police Divisions for further investigation and prosecution.

Military Statement

Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism.

Brigadier General Balogun urged them to sustain the operational tempo until all criminal hideouts across Edo State are dismantled.

He reassured the public of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to eradicating kidnapping and protecting lives and property.

The Commander also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

He appreciated the strategic guidance of Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division.

This operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in Edo State.

By targeting hideouts and arresting collaborators, security forces aim to disrupt criminal networks and restore confidence among local communities.