Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during an operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State.
The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, Kennedy Anyanwu.
According to the statement, the troops were conducting targeted operations to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard major transportation routes in the area when they arrested the suspect.
Items recovered from Oyeniyi included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.
The Army said the suspect and the recovered items remained in its custody for further investigation.
It added that efforts were ongoing to establish Oyeniyi’s links to other criminal elements and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.
“Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during an operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State,” Anyanwu said.
“The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on 12 September 2026 at the Obaretin Community by troops who were conducting operations to safeguard major transportation routes within the area.”
The Army said it remained committed to denying criminal elements freedom of action and protecting communities and critical transportation corridors.
It added that it would continue to coordinate with other security agencies to strengthen security across Edo State.