Nigerian Army Dismantles Kidnappers’ Hideouts in Edo North, Arrests 13 Suspects

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major security breakthrough in Edo State after dismantling several kidnappers’ hideouts across communities in the Edo North Senatorial District, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects and the recovery of weapons, drugs and other incriminating items.

The operation, carried out on February 4, was led by troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Edo State Security Corps. The coordinated exercise focused on Osara, Auchi and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area, areas that have faced persistent security challenges in recent months.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the clearance operation was conducted under the code name Operation IGBO DANU 1. He explained that the exercise resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers during the initial phase of the operation.

Security forces recovered a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally fabricated pistol, cutlasses and several mobile phones. Other items seized included a POS machine, a digital camera, cash amounting to ₦87,550, and quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol, ice and codeine syrup, alongside weighing scales believed to be used for drug distribution.

In a related operation, troops extended the sweep to Aviele Forest, a location long identified as a criminal corridor in the area. During the forest combing, five additional suspects were arrested, while two motorcycles, mobile phones and a power bank were recovered.

All suspects, along with the recovered items, have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the strong collaboration among the various security agencies involved. He warned criminal elements that Edo State would remain an unsafe haven for kidnappers and other offenders, stressing the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal networks.

Balogun reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic direction and continued support.

The latest operation signals renewed efforts by security forces to clamp down on kidnapping and drug-related crimes in Edo North, as authorities intensify measures to restore peace and stability in the region.