Twelve individuals have been arrested by troops of the 4 Brigade in Edo State during a series of operations across multiple local government areas. The arrests occurred between May 12 and May 19, 2026, in Owan East, Esan South-East, and Esan North-East. Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, disclosed the details in a statement released on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Benin City.
Three suspects—Ishaya Obadis (20), Markus Ballu (35), and Godknows Owonoji (30)—were apprehended at Olelo Forest. They are alleged to be collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers. Two other suspects, Bala Mahmood (70) and Ibrahim Abdullahi (25), were arrested in Owan East during clearing operations at Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani.
Items recovered from these operations include two motorcycles, two mobile phones, dangerous weapons, and a Tecno mobile phone. These suspects and materials were handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division. In Esan North-East, seven suspects—Isah Shehu (25), Hamadu Safiyanu (22), Tijani Shehu (24), Yahaya Babangida (25), Usman Hamza (26), Abduladi Saleh (23), and Gadafi Tukur (27)—were arrested in Uwarlor-Oke Forest.
Recovered from them were one motorcycle and two Itel mobile phones. They were transferred to Amendokhian Police Division. Joint operations with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes in Emu Forest, Esan South-East, led to the recovery of one locally made long-barreled gun and one motorcycle. These items were deposited at Ubiaja Police Division.
Captain Anyanwu stated that troops would continue operations to eliminate criminal elements in the state.
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