The 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, Edo State, has arrested four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated operation.
The crackdown on suspects took place along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking to journalists while parading the suspects at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City on Wednesday, the Operation Officer, Captain Victor Omotosho, said the troops conducted a “cordon and search operation” in both communities following rising concerns about persistent kidnapping incidents in the area.
According to Omotosho, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
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.”
“Also, two vehicles, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep, were also seized during the operation, alongside other exhibits displayed during the parade.”
Omotosho noted that kidnapping activities along the affected corridors had become disturbing in recent months, but emphasised that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, has continued to make concerted efforts to curb the menace.
He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”
The four suspects, however, gave varying accounts of their arrest, denying involvement in kidnapping operations.
One of the suspects, Frank Anthony, said he was asleep when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying.
Anthony claimed that he was only staying in the community because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.
Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor, said he was at home with his partner when soldiers arrived unexpectedly.
Another suspect, Sunday Alex, claimed he had only attended a burial and decided to sleep at his family’s house in the village.
The fourth suspect, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he had rented a room after attending a burial that ended late.
The Army reiterated that the operation was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.
The Brigade assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are completely suppressed.
Since assuming office, the Edo State Government has repeatedly expressed commitment to supporting military and security formations in ensuring peace and stability across the state.
The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has distributed 60 Hilux trucks and 300 motorcycles to various security agencies to help them in the fight against crime.
The security agencies in the state have intensified joint operations to restore safety along major highways and rural communities that have witnessed repeated criminal attacks.
