Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade have arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms, vehicles and other exhibits following a targeted operation in Edo State.
The suspects were detained after a cordon-and-search operation along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, the Brigade’s Operations Officer, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, told reporters during a parade at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City.
Captain Omotosho said the operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, was prompted by rising kidnapping incidents in the corridor. He listed the items recovered as an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun and other weapons. Two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander — were also seized.
“During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities. Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered,” Captain Omotosho said.
The arrested men denied involvement in abductions when paraded. Frank Anthony said he was asleep when soldiers raided the house he was staying in; Endurance Egwasa said he and his partner were at home when troops arrived; For Sunday Alex claimed he only slept at his family house after attending a burial; and Stanley Osazuwa identified himself as a painter who had rented a room after a late burial ceremony.
The Brigade described the arrests as a positive development in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in Ahor, Uselu-Nahor and neighbouring communities, and said similar operations will continue until kidnapping and related crimes are suppressed.
Edo State authorities have stepped up joint security operations in recent weeks after a string of abductions along major highways and rural routes. Civic tech group MonITNG had in October raised the alarm over escalating kidnappings across the state and urged urgent action from the governor and security agencies.
The Army said the arrests form part of a broader strategy to restore safety along highways and within rural communities affected by violent crime.
