Four youths paraded by the 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army in Benin insisted on Sunday that they were not involved in kidnappings along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde LGA in Edo State.
Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, operations officer of the brigade, said the suspects were arrested during a “cordon and search operation’’ in the early hours of Sunday, following rising concerns about persistent kidnappings in the area.
“During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselu-Nahor communities,” he said.
He added, “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.”
Two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander — were also seized, alongside other exhibits recovered during the raid.
Captain Omotosho said kidnapping around the communities had become disturbing in recent months and stressed that the brigade, working with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to curb the trend.
The officer described the arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo state of criminality”.
The suspects, however, denied involvement in the crimes.
Frank Anthony said he was asleep when soldiers broke into his house and lived in the community only because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.
Endurance Egwasa said he was at home with his partner, while Sunday Alex explained he had attended a burial and stayed overnight at his family’s house.
Stanley Osazuwa, a painter, said he rented a room after returning late from a burial ceremony.
The army said the operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.
Security agencies in Edo have intensified joint operations to restore safety along highways and rural areas affected by repeated attacks.
The brigade assured residents that similar operations will continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are suppressed.,
The Edo government has repeatedly pledged support to military and security formations to ensure peace and stability across the state.
The army described Sunday’s operation as a significant step toward achieving that goal.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.