Army arrests suspected kidnapper with arms in Edo

Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, Kennedy Anyanwu.

According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community by troops conducting operations to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard major transportation routes within the area.

He stated that items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Other items recovered were one Tecno mobile phone, two bags, one torchlight, one music box and assorted charms.

He stated that the suspect and recovered items were in the troops’ custody for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to establish his links to other criminal elements and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

“Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during an operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State.

“The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on 12 September 2026 at the Obaretin Community by troops who were conducting operations to safeguard major transportation routes within the area,” he added.

Anyanwu stated that the Nigerian Army remained focused on denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors, while sustaining coordinated operations with other security agencies to strengthen security across Edo State.