NIGERIAN ARMY ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERS WEAPONS IN EDO STATE OPERATION
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade Command in Benin City, Edo State, has arrested four suspected kidnappers during a coordinated operation targeting criminal activities in the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor communities of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
Parading the suspects before journalists on Wednesday at the Brigade Headquarters, the Operations Officer, Captain Victor Omotosho, said the troops executed a “cordon and search operation” in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, following rising reports of persistent kidnappings in the area.
According to Omotosho, the operation led to significant recoveries, including one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items. Two vehicles a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander jeep were also seized.
He said: “During the early hours of Sunday, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities. Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.”
Describing the operation as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality,” Omotosho noted that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to suppressing kidnapping activities along affected corridors.
Despite the arrest, the suspects gave varying accounts of their presence in the communities, denying involvement in any criminal acts.
One of the suspects, Frank Anthony, claimed he was asleep when the soldiers stormed the building where he was staying, explaining that he was only temporarily in the community due to lack of accommodation elsewhere.
Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor, said he was with his partner when the troops arrived unexpectedly. Sunday Alex stated he had attended a burial and spent the night at his family home, while Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, claimed he rented a room after a late-night burial ceremony.
The Army clarified that the operation was part of a broader security strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and nearby communities. It assured residents that similar missions will continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are fully contained.
Since assuming office, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated the government’s support for military and security agencies. Recently, his administration distributed 60 Hilux trucks and 300 motorcycles to enhance crime-fighting efforts.
Security formations in the state have intensified joint operations to restore safety along major highways and communities affected by repeated criminal attacks.
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