Troops arrest suspected kidnappers in Edo, recover vehicle, charms and other items

Troops have arrested a suspected kidnapper and four of his accomplices in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who made this known in a statement on Monday, February 26, 2024, said troops recovered a vehicle, charms and other items during the operation. 

“Consequent upon consistent support of the good people of Edo State through the provision of timely and actionable intelligence to Nigerian Army troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade, personnel of OPERATION WABAIZIGAN, acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested a suspected kidnapper and gun runner, Ekenaye Festus alongside 4 of his collaborators in the general area of Agbor Road, Iguomor Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State,” the statement read. 

“The suspects who were arrested in the early hours of 25 February 2024 have been terrorizing the Obagie Community and were suspected to have been carrying out kidnappings and other criminal activities within the state. Those arrested alongside Ekenaye Festus are Isaac Oghosa, Ameh Innocent, Odion Okpako and Ajayi Ayoola.

“The suspects are currently in custody and aiding investigation. Items recovered include one Hilux Vehicle with registration number Lagos SMK 219 FX fitted with ember light, a handheld radio, three torch light phones, an android phone, a pair of desert boots, a pair of black boots, a fragmentation jacket, a jack knife pouch and several charms.

“The Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo commended the troops for their commitment and appealed to the public for more support to aid the troop’s operational efficiency in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.”