Joint Security Team Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers, Recovers Leads in Edo Forest Operations
By Zagazola Makama
A joint security team comprising troops of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, local hunters and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested three suspected kidnappers during coordinated operations across Owan East and Akoko Edo Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 7:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of 4 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sobe.
The sources said the operation targeted suspected kidnappers operating within the Otuo Forest in Owan East LGA and the Agor–Igarra–Sassaro Forest axis in Akoko Edo LGA.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was initially arrested. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to selling one pump-action shotgun and 12 cartridges to another suspect, who was subsequently apprehended at his residence in Igarra.
Acting on further intelligence, the joint security team raided another suspected kidnapper’s hideout in the Sassaro Forest, where a third suspect was arrested.
The three suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Otuo for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation MESA to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and improve security across Edo State through sustained intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
