The Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, Benin City, has arrested four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated operation targeting criminal activities along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, involved a “cordon and search” of the affected communities, leading to the recovery of weapons and vehicles, officials said.
Addressing journalists at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, Operation Officer Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho confirmed the arrest of the four suspects and seizure of arms, including an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items. Two vehicles—a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander—were also recovered.
“Kidnapping activities along these corridors had become disturbing in recent months,” Captain Omotosho said, describing the arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.” He added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Brigade and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks in the area.
The suspects, however, denied involvement in kidnapping. Frank Anthony said he was asleep when soldiers raided his location, claiming he stayed in the community due to lack of accommodation in his hometown. Endurance Egwasa said he was at home with his partner, Sunday Alex claimed he had only attended a burial, and Stanley Osazuwa identified himself as a painter who had rented a room after a burial.
The Army assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and violent crimes are completely suppressed. Edo State authorities have expressed support for military and security efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
