Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Air Force, Police, NSCDC, and Edo State Security Corps, have dismantled multiple kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo North Senatorial District, arresting 13 suspects and seizing weapons, drugs, and other criminal paraphernalia.
The operation, disclosed on Friday by Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, targeted Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area on February 4.
Codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, the mission initially led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and drug traffickers. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol, ice, and ₦87,550 in cash.
In a follow-up clearance of Aviele Forest—a known criminal corridor—troops apprehended five more suspects and recovered two motorcycles, mobile phones, and a power bank. All suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, praised the synergy among security agencies, warning that Edo State would remain hostile to kidnappers and other criminal elements. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property while acknowledging the strategic guidance of Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division.
