Troops neutralise suspected kidnapper, recover weapons in Edo ambush operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 4 Brigade under Operation MESA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local hunters, have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during an ambush operation along the Ohe–Uzea road in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 2:15 a.m. on May 28 at a suspected kidnappers’ crossing point following credible intelligence on criminal movements in the area.
According to the sources, the joint security team made contact with the suspects during the ambush, leading to an exchange of fire in which one suspected kidnapper was neutralised.
The sources added that troops immediately conducted a follow-up search and exploitation of the general area to prevent escape and recover additional evidence.
During the operation, security operatives recovered a locally made short-barrelled firearm, seven cartridges, one cutlass, one knife, a mobile phone, an ATM card, a voter’s card, ropes, an MP3 audio player, suspected hard drugs, and a cash sum of ₦24,300.
Authorities said all recovered items and the neutralised suspect were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained joint operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping and armed criminal networks across Edo State and surrounding areas.
