In a proactive response to actionable intelligence provided by the vigilant residents of Edo State, Nigerian Army personnel from Headquarters 4 Brigade, operating under OPERATION WABAIZIGAN, have successfully apprehended a suspected kidnapper and arms trafficker, identified as Ekenaye Festus, along with four of his accomplices in the vicinity of Agbor Road, Iguomor Community, located within Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh the operation, conducted in the early hours of February 25, 2024, targeted individuals believed to be responsible for a series of criminal activities, particularly kidnappings, plaguing the Obagie Community and surrounding areas. Among those detained alongside Festus are Isaac Oghosa, Ameh Innocent, Odion Okpako, and Ajayi Ayoola.
The suspects are presently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations. In a significant development, authorities have also seized several items linked to the criminal activities, including a Hilux Vehicle bearing registration number Lagos SMK 219 FX, equipped with emergency lights. Additionally, a handheld radio, three flashlight phones, an android device, desert and black boots, a fragmentation jacket, a jackknife pouch, and various charms were recovered during the operation.
Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, lauded the troops for their unwavering dedication to duty and urged the public to continue their invaluable support. He emphasized the crucial role of community cooperation in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
