Troops arrest suspected kidnapper with AK-47 in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community by troops conducting operations to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard major transportation routes in the area.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the items recovered from the suspect included an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Other items recovered were a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

Anyanwu said the suspect and the recovered items were in the custody of the troops for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to establish his links with other criminal elements and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

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He said, “Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during an operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State.

“The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on 12 September 2026 at the Obaretin Community by troops who were conducting operations to safeguard major transportation routes within the area.”

Ayanwu stated that the Nigerian Army remained committed to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors.

He added that the Army would continue to sustain coordinated operations with other security agencies to strengthen security across Edo State.

This version removes the repeated Army statement and keeps the story focused on the arrest, weapon recovery and ongoing investigation.