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

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was apprehended on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community during a targeted operation conducted under Operation WABAIZIGAN.

The Army disclosed the arrest in a post on its official X account, saying the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activities and protecting major transport routes in the area.

Items recovered from the suspect included an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The Army said Oyeniyi and the recovered items remained in its custody as investigations continued.

According to the military, investigators are working to establish whether the suspect has connections with other criminal groups or was involved in kidnapping incidents along the Benin-Sapele corridor.

The Nigerian Army said it would continue joint and sustained security operations with other agencies to restrict criminal activities and protect residents and key transportation routes across Edo State.