In Edo North Senatorial District, Nigerian Army troops have destroyed the hideouts of kidnappers, captured 13 suspects, and retrieved weapons, drugs, and other goods that could be used against them. Capt. 

Kennedy Anyanwu, the acting assistant director of army public relations for 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, made this announcement on Friday. Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area were the targets of the operation, which was conducted on February 4 by troops of 4 Brigade in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Edo State Security Corps, according to Anyanwu. 

He said that eight suspected kidnappers and drug dealers were apprehended as a result of the clearance effort, which was code-named Operation IGBO DANU 1.

“Items recovered included a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol and ice, as well as N87,550 cash.

“In a related operation, the troops also combed Aviele Forest, a known criminal corridor in the area, arresting five additional suspects and recovering two motorcycles, phones and a power bank.

“The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Speaking about the operations, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, praised the cooperation between the security forces and cautioned that Edo State will continue to be hostile to criminal elements and kidnappers. 

Balogun thanked Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, for his strategic assistance and direction and reiterated the Brigade's dedication to preserving life and property.

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