Crime
Army Arrests Four Kidnappers in Edo
A coordinated operation of the 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, Edo State has led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers.
Biztellers reports that the arrest followed intensified crackdown on kidnapping and related criminal activities along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
While parading the suspects at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, the Operation Officer, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, told newsmen that the troops conducted a “cordon and search operation” in both communities following rising concerns about persistent kidnapping incidents in the area.
According to him, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
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Capt Omotosho said: “During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities. Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.”
He added that two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep — were also seized during the operation, alongside other exhibits displayed during the parade.
Capt Omotosho noted that kidnapping activities along the affected corridors had become disturbing in recent months, but emphasized that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, has continued to make concerted efforts to curb the menace.
He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”
However, the four suspects gave varying accounts of their arrest, denying involvement in kidnapping operations.
Frank Anthony, one of the suspects, said he was asleep when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying.
He claimed that he was only staying in the community because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.
Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor community, said he was at home with his partner when soldiers arrived unexpectedly.
For Sunday Alex, he alleged he had only attended a burial and decided to sleep at his family house in the village.
The fourth suspect, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he had rented a room after attending a burial that ended late.
On its part, the Army reiterated that the operation was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.
Security agencies in Edo State have intensified joint operations to restore safety along major highways and rural communities that have witnessed repeated criminal attacks.
The Brigade assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are completely suppressed.
The Edo State Government has repeatedly expressed commitment to supporting military and security formations in ensuring peace and stability across the state.
The Army described the development as a significant step toward achieving that goal.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
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According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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