A suspected kidnapper has been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army during a security operation in Edo State, with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition recovered from him.
The arrest was carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army operating under Operation WABAIZIGAN as they conducted operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and securing major routes across the state.
The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested in Obaretin Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, along the busy Benin–Sapele Road.
The operation has added to a series of recent military interventions against kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo, where security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations along vulnerable routes and communities.
According to information released on the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the suspect.
Other items recovered included a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.
Army investigates suspected links to kidnapping network
The arrest is not being treated as an isolated incident.
The Army said the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody as investigations continue into his alleged involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities along the Benin–Sapele corridor.
Investigators are also working to determine whether Oyeniyi has links with other members of a criminal network operating in the area.
The development is significant because major highways linking communities and commercial centres in Edo have remained a focus of security operations due to the threat posed by kidnappers and other armed criminals.
The recovery of an AK-47 and live ammunition has also raised the stakes in the investigation, as security authorities seek to establish how the weapon was obtained and whether it has been used in previous criminal operations.
Security operations intensify in Edo
The latest arrest comes against the backdrop of continuing military operations against kidnapping and other security threats in Edo State.
In recent weeks, troops and other security agencies have recorded several operations involving the rescue of abducted persons, arrests of suspects and recovery of firearms.
In August, for instance, Nigerian Army troops operating in Edo rescued an abducted farmer and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during an operation in the Ubiaja area.
Earlier in July, a joint security operation also led to the rescue of three students of Ambrose Alli University who had been abducted in Ekpoma. Security personnel recovered three AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other items during the operation.
The repeated recovery of firearms in such operations highlights the continuing challenge posed by heavily armed criminal groups operating around forests, highways and rural communities.
Army vows to disrupt criminal activities
The arrest along the Benin–Sapele Road underscores the military’s focus on preventing criminal groups from using major transportation routes as operational corridors.
The Army’s Operation WABAIZIGAN has been conducting operations intended to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across its area of responsibility.
For residents and motorists who regularly use the Benin–Sapele route, the arrest could provide some relief, particularly as security agencies continue to work to prevent kidnappers from establishing operational bases around major roads and adjoining communities.
However, the military’s next task will be to establish the wider network, if any, behind the arrested suspect.
Rather than treating the arrest as the end of the operation, investigators are expected to use information obtained during interrogation and from the recovered items to determine whether other suspects are involved.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The Army has not indicated that Oyeniyi has been convicted of any offence, and the allegation against him remains subject to the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
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SEO Title: Army Arrests Suspected Kidnapper, Recovers AK-47 in Edo
Slug: army-arrests-suspected-kidnapper-recovers-ak-47-in-edo
Meta Description: Nigerian Army troops have arrested suspected kidnapper Olamide Oyeniyi in Edo and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazine and eight rounds of ammunition.
Focus Keyword: Army arrests suspected kidnapper in Edo
Secondary Keywords: Nigerian Army, Edo kidnapping, Olamide Oyeniyi, AK-47 recovered in Edo, Operation WABAIZIGAN, Ikpoba-Okha, Benin-Sapele Road, Edo security, suspected kidnapper arrested
Category: Security
Tags: Nigerian Army, Edo State, Kidnapping, Crime, Security, AK-47, Operation WABAIZIGAN, Ikpoba-Okha, Benin-Sapele Road
