Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled several kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo North Senatorial District, arresting 13 suspects and recovering arms, drugs, and other incriminating items.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on February 4 by troops of 4 Brigade in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Edo State Security Corps.
The coordinated clearance exercise, code-named Operation IGBO DANU 1, targeted criminal enclaves in Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities within Etsako West Local Government Area.
Anyanwu said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers, with several items recovered.
Items recovered include a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol and ice, as well as ₦87,550 cash, he said.
He added that in a related operation, troops combed the Aviele Forest, a known criminal corridor in the area, where five additional suspects were arrested. Items recovered from the forest included two motorcycles, mobile phones, and a power bank.
According to the statement, all suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking on the operations, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Ahmed Balogun, commended the synergy among the various security agencies involved in the operation, warning that Edo State would remain hostile to kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Balogun reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, while also appreciating the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support.
(NAN)
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