Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 on Benin-Sapele Road

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Edo State.

The suspect was named in the reports as Olamide Oyeniyi. The Army said he was arrested on September 12 at Obaretin Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area during an operation under Operation Wabaizigan.

Vanguard and Daily Post reported that the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activity and improving security along major transport routes in the area.

Items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Troops also recovered a Tecno phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The Army said the suspect and the recovered items had been taken into custody for further investigation. Investigators are expected to check whether he has links with other criminal networks or kidnapping incidents along the Benin-Sapele route.

The operation comes amid continuing security pressure on highways and communities in Edo, where security agencies have been under pressure to curb kidnapping and armed attacks.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post