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Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Hideouts In Edo Forests, Arrest 12 Suspects During Operation KO SALO
The operations, which commenced on May 12, 2026, were carried out in conjunction with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps as part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
Benin, Edo State– Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army under the 2 Division Nigerian Army have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during a series of coordinated clearance operations across forests and rural communities in Edo State.
The operations, which commenced on May 12, 2026, were carried out in conjunction with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps as part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City.
According to the statement, the military offensive, code-named “Operation KO SALO,” targeted suspected criminal enclaves in Owan East, Esan North-East, and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Captain Anyanwu said troops first stormed Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and later conducted cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement.
During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects identified as Ishaya Obadis, 20; Markus Ballu, 35; and Godknows Owonoji, 30, were arrested.
The Army said items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers.”
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related operation, troops moved into Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani, all located within Owan East Local Government Area.
The security operatives arrested two additional suspects identified as Bala Mahmood, aged 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, aged 25.
According to the Army, dangerous weapons and a small Tecno mobile phone were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The two suspects, alongside the recovered items, were also transferred to the Ekpoma Police Division for further action.
The military further intensified operations in Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area and the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
During the raid on the forest hideouts, troops arrested seven suspected kidnappers identified as Isah Shehu, 25; Hamadu Safiyanu, 22; Tijani Shehu, 24; Yahaya Babangida, 25; Usman Hamza, 26; Abduladi Saleh, 23; and Gadafi Tukur, 27.
Meanwhile, the suspects were apprehended within the Uwarlor-Oke Forest following extensive combing operations by troops.
Items recovered from the suspects included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones.
The Army said the suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
In another phase of the operation, troops working alongside operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes carried out clearance missions in Emu Forest located in Emu community, Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly searched criminal camps identified as Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp during the operation.
Security operatives recovered one locally made long-barrel gun and one motorcycle from the camps.
The recovered items were deposited at the Ubiaja Police Division for necessary action.
The Nigerian Army stated that troops are continuing with ongoing clearance operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements and dismantling kidnappers’ camps across Edo State.
Reacting to the success of the operations, the Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for what he described as professionalism and resilience in the fight against insecurity.
Balogun charged the soldiers to sustain the momentum of the offensive operations until all kidnappers’ hideouts across the state are completely dismantled.
“He also reassured members of the public of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eradicating kidnapping and protecting lives and property,” the statement added.
The Brigade Commander further urged residents of Edo State to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence capable of aiding ongoing operations against criminal groups.
Balogun also appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for what he described as strategic guidance and support that has enhanced operational effectiveness and fostered operational excellence within the Brigade.
