Edo: Army arrests suspected kidnapper, recovers AK-47 on Benin–Sapele Road

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

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a post on its X account on Saturday, saying the suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was apprehended on September 12, 2026, in Obaretin Community.

The arrest followed a targeted operation aimed at disrupting criminal activities and strengthening security along major transportation routes in the area.

Items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The suspect and the recovered items were taken into custody for further investigation, according to the Army.

The investigation is expected to establish whether Oyeniyi has links with other criminal networks and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping incidents along the Benin–Sapele route.

The Nigerian Army said it would continue sustained operations in collaboration with other security agencies to curtail the activities of criminals and safeguard communities and major transportation corridors across Edo State.