Suspected Kidnapper Arrested With AK-47 in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Edo State.

The suspect was arrested during a targeted operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Army, in a statement by its spokesperson, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, said the suspect was apprehended on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community by troops of the 4 Brigade.

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He said the troops were conducting operations to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard major transportation routes within the area when the suspect was arrested.

Anyanwu said items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He added that other items recovered from the suspect included one Tecno mobile phone, two bags, one torchlight, one music box and assorted charms.

The Army spokesperson said the suspect was in custody for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to establish his links to other criminal elements and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

He assured that the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies would continue to remain focused on strengthening security, denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors across Edo State.