Major Security Operation in Edo State Leads to Multiple Arrests
In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully raided multiple kidnappers' hideouts in Edo State, resulting in the arrest of thirteen suspects. The operation, which took place on February 4, 2026, targeted communities in the Edo North Senatorial District, marking a decisive move against terrorism and kidnapping in the region.
Coordinated Clearance Operation
Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, disclosed details of the operation on February 5, 2026. The mission, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, was a collaborative effort involving multiple security agencies. Troops from the 4 Brigade worked in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force, the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Edo State Security Corps.
The operation specifically targeted Osara Community in Etsako West Local Government Area, as well as Auchi and Okpella Communities, all located within the Edo North Senatorial District. This multi-agency approach underscores the commitment to flushing out terrorists and kidnappers while rescuing potential victims from these criminal networks.
Arrests and Recoveries in Initial Raid
During the clearance operation, eight suspected kidnappers and illicit drug peddlers were apprehended. The suspects have been identified as:
- Jamilu Mohammad (25)
- Kasim Abu (33)
- Braimoh Affeez (31)
- Sulaiman Hamisu (36)
- Lawan Umaru (25)
- Bawa Auwal (24)
- Musa Umaru (40)
- Amodu Attai (50)
A substantial cache of weapons and incriminating items was recovered from these individuals, including:
- One English Auto Pump-action gun
- Four live cartridges
- One locally made pistol
- A Point-of-Sale (POS) machine
- Two cutlasses
- A Nikon digital camera
- Two Android phones
- A metal hook
- Five bottles of codeine syrup
- Two Indian hemp weighing scales
- Quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol, ice, loud, and colos
- The sum of ₦87,550 in cash
All suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Follow-Up Raid in Aviele Forest
In a related development, troops of the 4 Brigade, in collaboration with the Edo State Police Command, conducted an additional raid in the Aviele Forest, also located in Etsako West Local Government Area. This operation aimed to flush out suspected terrorists and kidnappers hiding in the forested region.
During this raid, five more suspected kidnappers were arrested:
- Isiaka Abubakar (37)
- Mohammad Abubakar (25)
- Yusuf Abubakar (24)
- Mohammed Somu (20)
- Isiaka Ibrahim (30)
Items recovered from these suspects include two motorcycles, two Android phones, and a power bank. Similar to the initial operation, these suspects and the recovered items were also handed over to the police for further investigation.
Leadership and Commitment to Security
The operations were led by Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Commander of the 4 Brigade. He commended the swift response and effective collaboration among the various security agencies involved in the raids. General Balogun issued a stern warning, stating that Edo State will be untenable for terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements seeking to carry out their nefarious activities.
He reaffirmed the Brigade's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of residents in Edo State. Additionally, General Balogun expressed his appreciation to Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division Nigerian Army, for his strategic guidance and support throughout the operations.
This coordinated effort highlights the ongoing determination of Nigerian security forces to combat crime and ensure safety in the region, sending a clear message to criminal networks operating in Edo State.
