Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a major blow to criminal networks in Edo North Senatorial District, dismantling multiple kidnappers’ hideouts, arresting 13 suspects, and recovering weapons, drugs, and cash.
The acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, confirmed in a statement on Friday that the operation targeted Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Conducted on February 4, the mission—codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1—was a coordinated effort involving the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Edo State Security Corps.
“Eight suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers were arrested during the operation,” Capt. Anyanwu said. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, cannabis sativa, tramadol, ice, and N87,550 in cash.
In a related sweep, troops combed Aviele Forest, a notorious criminal corridor, arresting five additional suspects and confiscating two motorcycles, phones, and a power bank. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, praised the collaboration among security agencies and warned that Edo State would remain hostile to kidnappers and other criminals. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property and acknowledged the strategic guidance of Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division.
