Troops of the 4 Brigade, 2 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during clearance operations in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The operations, code-named Operation KO SALO, commenced on May 12, 2026, and involved clearing Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and Rugan Fulani settlements. Three suspects — Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30) — were arrested at Olelo Forest, with motorcycles and mobile phones recovered. Preliminary investigations revealed they were collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers. The suspects were handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division.
Further operations in Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani led to the arrest of Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25), with dangerous weapons recovered. These items and suspects were also handed over to Ekpoma Police Division.
Troops continued to Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East and Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East, arresting seven suspects, including Isah Shehu (25) and Hamadu Safiyanu (22). Recovered items included a motorcycle and mobile phones, with suspects handed over to Amendokhian Police Division.
Operations at Emu Forest in Esan South-East also yielded one locally made long-barrel gun and a motorcycle, deposited at Ubiaja Police Division.
Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism and assured the public of the Brigade’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping and protecting lives and property. He urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
