Troops of 4 Brigade, under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during clearance operations that commenced on 12 May 2026 in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.

The operation, code-named “Operation KO SALO,” involved clearing operations at Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, and Egoro Amede Village, as well as cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement.

During the operation at Olelo Forest, three suspects were arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed they were collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnapping gangs, leading to their handover to the Ekpoma Police Division for further action.

Subsequently, troops cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani in Owan East Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects. Furthermore, troops cleared Uwarlor-Oke Forest and the Udo Government Reserve Forest, leading to the arrest of seven more suspects.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain their operational momentum. He called on residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations. He also expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support.