Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 On Benin-Sapele Road

As suspected lakurawa terrorists flee workshop, abandon two motorcycles

By Adebola Muili

Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin-Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community, during an operation aimed at disrupting criminal activities and securing major transportation routes in the area.

The Nigerian Army said the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the suspect.

Other items recovered were a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into custody as investigation continues to establish his alleged links with other criminal elements and determine his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

The Army, in a statement on the operation, said the arrest was part of its sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors in Edo State.

It said the Nigerian Army would continue to work with other security agencies to strengthen security across the state and protect residents and road users.

The development comes amid ongoing security operations aimed at curbing criminal activities along major routes and vulnerable communities in Edo State.

In another development, troops of the 8 Guards Task Force deployed at Forward Operating Base Kware have raided a motorcycle repair workshop allegedly being used by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kware town, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the operation was conducted at about 10:05 a.m. on September 11, following intelligence indicating that suspected members of the group were using the workshop to repair their motorcycles.

Makama said the suspected terrorists fled the location upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning two motorcycles at the workshop.
The troops subsequently recovered the two motorcycles and took them into custody for further investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while troops continue to intensify surveillance and offensive operations within the area to disrupt the activities and mobility of criminal elements.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to prevent criminal groups from using communities and strategic locations as bases for their activities and to restrict their ability to move and operate within the affected areas.