Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force, the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and illicit drug dealers during a series of coordinated clearance operations across Edo North Senatorial District.
The operation, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, was conducted on February 4, 2026, targeting identified criminal hideouts in Osara Community in Etsako West Local Government Area, as well as Auchi and Okpella communities. The security sweep was aimed at neutralising and flushing out suspected terrorists and kidnappers, while also rescuing victims believed to be held in captivity within the affected areas.
During the first phase of the operation, eight suspects were arrested. They were identified as Jamilu Mohammad, 25; Kasim Abu, 33; Braimoh Affeez, 31; Sulaiman Hamisu, 36; Lawan Umaru, 25; Bawa Auwal, 24; Musa Umaru, 40; and Amodu Attai, 50. Security operatives recovered one English-made pump-action shotgun, four live cartridges and a locally fabricated pistol from the suspects.
Additional items seized during the raid included a Point-of-Sale machine, two cutlasses, a Nikon digital camera, two Android mobile phones, a metal hook, five bottles of codeine syrup, two weighing scales commonly used for measuring illicit substances, and quantities of suspected cannabis sativa, tramadol, “ice,” “loud,” and “colos.” The sum of ₦87,550 in cash was also recovered at the scene.
Security sources said the presence of both firearms and drug-related materials suggests a possible link between kidnapping operations and narcotics trafficking networks in the area. The suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, troops of the 4 Brigade, in collaboration with the Edo State Police Command, carried out a follow-up combing operation in the Aviele Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area. The forest, which has been identified in recent months as a potential hideout for criminal elements, was searched in a bid to dislodge suspected kidnappers and disrupt their operational bases.
During that raid, five additional suspects were arrested. They were identified as Isiaka Abubakar, 37; Mohammad Abubakar, 25; Yusuf Abubakar, 24; Mohammed Somu, 20; and Isiaka Ibrahim, 30. Items recovered from them included two motorcycles believed to have been used for mobility in forested terrain, two Android phones and a power bank. These suspects were also transferred to the police for further investigation.
Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, who led the operations, commended the inter-agency collaboration that facilitated the arrests. He described the swift and coordinated response among the security agencies as critical to the success of the mission.
He warned that Edo State would not serve as a safe haven for terrorists, kidnappers or other criminal elements, stating that the military and its partners remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state. The brigade commander reaffirmed the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly in communities that have experienced rising insecurity linked to kidnapping and armed criminality.
Balogun also expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for what he described as strategic guidance and operational support that enhanced the effectiveness of the mission.
Security analysts note that Etsako West and adjoining areas in Edo North have faced intermittent security challenges, including reports of kidnapping for ransom and the use of forested areas as operational bases by armed groups. The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to assert control over vulnerable corridors and restore public confidence in affected communities.
Residents in Osara, Auchi and Okpella have previously raised concerns about criminal activity along rural roads and within forested settlements. The joint security push signals intensified surveillance and clearance measures aimed at disrupting organised crime and deterring further attacks.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests may follow as intelligence gathered during the operations is analysed. Law enforcement officials are expected to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in kidnapping and narcotics distribution networks within the state.
The security agencies involved have reiterated their appeal to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that can assist in preventing crime and tracking down fugitives. Community cooperation, officials say, remains central to sustaining gains achieved through coordinated military and law enforcement actions.
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