The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin, the Edo State Capital, has arrested four suspected kidnappers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area in the State.

Making the disclosure during a press briefing in Benin, the Operation Officer of the Command, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, said the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation carried out by the Brigade on the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde.

According to him, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.

He said: “During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities.

“Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.”

He added that two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep — were also recovered during the operation, alongside other exhibits displayed during the parade”.

Omotosho noted that kidnapping activities along the affected corridors had become disturbing in recent months.

The Army Officer emphasized that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, has continued to make concerted efforts to curb the menace of kidnapping in the state.

He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”

Omotosho reiterated the operation was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.

The four suspects, however, gave varying accounts of their arrest, denying involvement in the alleged kidnapping operations.

Frank Anthony, one of the suspects, said he was asleep when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying.

He claimed that he was only staying in the community because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.

Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor community, said he was at home with his partner when soldiers arrived unexpectedly.

For Sunday Alex, he alleged he had only attended a burial ceremony and decided to sleep at his family house in the village.

The fourth suspect, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he had rented a room after attending a burial that ended late. (Nigerian Tribune)