• Arrest suspect during ‘Operation Igbo Danu 1
Kingsley Abavo, Managing Editor, Benin
A combined team of soldiers, 4 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army, and the Edo State Security Corps have crippled the operation of a notorious kidnapper (identity not given).
Also, the troops rescued four people who were kidnapped in Warake Forest, and arrested a suspected kidnapper in a separate operation in the State.
The troops achieved the fit during ‘Operation IGBO DANU 1’ alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and local vigilantes in a night operation on 3 March, 2026 in Warake Forest, Auchi, Etsako- West Local Government Area of Edo.
This was disclosed in a press release circulated amongst journalists, by KENNEDY ANYANWU Captain, and Assistant Director Army Public Relations 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City.
Anyanwu said the troops responded to sound of gunshots in the forest during a night patrol, with aggressive pursuit and minimum use of firearms.
The crippled kidnapper said to be notorious, has been terrorising Auchi and environs but could not withstand the superior firepower of the troops.
Consequently, his accomplices were forced to abandon their victims and fled into the bush, the army captain said.
The four victims rescued include: Stella Abbas (Age 29), Tina Ododa (Age 19), Razak Rashid (Age 27) and Mutanibi Kalifa (Age 16). “They were rescued unhurt and later reunited with their families.”
Items recovered from the neutralised kidnapper during the operation, include; cash amount of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N650,000), footwear, power bank and mobile phones, according to the press release.
Also, in a separate operation on 3 March, 2026, troops in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, raided a house suspected to be a kidnapper’s hideout in Ujemen, Esan-West Local Government Area of Edo.
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Anyanwu said a 39-year-old suspect, Omogbegha Solomon, was arrested during the raid.
“During the operation, troops discovered a shrine containing charms and photographs of various individuals in an abandoned room within the compound.
“The shrine was destroyed in its original place, and the suspect handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Ekpoma Division for further investigation.”
Reacting, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their dexterity.
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He was said to have urged them to sustain the aggressive onslaught against all the criminal elements; in line with directives from the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
“He further reassured residents; of the Brigade’s commitment towards the protection of lives and property in Edo.”
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