Military, Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate in Edo North Forest Raids

​AUCHI – In a major blow to the kidnapping networks terrorizing Edo North, a joint security force led by the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade has dismantled several criminal hideouts, arresting 13 suspects and recovering an arsenal of weapons and illicit drugs.

​The coordinated crackdown, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, targeted notorious flashpoints in Osara, Auchi, and Okpella on February 4, 2026. The mission brought together the Nigerian Air Force, the Edo State Police Command, NSCDC, and the Edo State Security Corps in a show of inter-agency force.

​During the primary raid at Osara community in Etsako West LGA, eight suspects were apprehended. Security sources identified them as Jamilu Mohammad, Kasim Abu, Braimoh Affeez, Sulaiman Hamisu, Lawan Umaru, Bawa Auwal, Musa Umaru, and Amodu Attai. The troops recovered an English Auto Pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, and live ammunition.

​Beyond weaponry, the discovery of a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine at the hideout has raised alarms regarding the digital trail of ransom payments. Large quantities of hard drugs—including cannabis sativa, tramadol, and “colos”—were also seized, alongside ₦87,550 in cash.

​Forest “Clearance” Continues

​The offensive extended into the dense Aviele Forest, where a secondary raid net five additional suspects: Isiaka Abubakar, Mohammad Abubakar, Yusuf Abubakar, Mohammed Somu, and Isiaka Ibrahim. Two motorcycles and several mobile phones were recovered from the scene.

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​This operation follows a surge in criminal activity in the region. Only last month, the abduction of the Abu brothers in Auchi and a highway ambush near Okpella—where 17 passengers were recently rescued by police—had left residents on edge.

​Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade, who personally led the operations, warned that there would be no “safe haven” for criminals in the state.

​”We are committed to making Edo State untenable for terrorists and kidnappers,” General Balogun asserted. “Our collaboration with sister agencies is seamless, and we will not relent until every forest enclave is flushed clean.”

​The suspects and recovered evidence have been transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.