Governor Okpebholo Commends 4 Brigade’s Offensive Against Kidnappers, Oil Bunkerers in Edo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has attributed the prevailing security stability in the state to sustained military offensives by the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade against kidnappers, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs.
The governor made the commendation during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) held at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, Benin City, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The disclosure was contained in an official statement issued by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the event, Governor Okpebholo noted that the proactive posture of the 4 Brigade had significantly weakened criminal networks across Edo State. He was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor.
According to the governor, the synergy between the 4 Brigade and other security agencies contributed to a largely peaceful Yuletide period marked by a noticeable reduction in violent crimes.
“The numerous operational successes recorded against kidnappers, internet fraudsters, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs clearly demonstrate the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said, adding that the Army’s sustained operations have played a major role in the improved security currently enjoyed by residents of the state.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, welcomed the governor’s representative and disclosed that the Brigade successfully met its 2025 training objectives. He said the training programmes were deliberately designed to enhance professionalism and sustain operational excellence in line with the strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu.
Brigadier General Balogun explained that the annual WASA celebration is a long-standing military tradition aimed at fostering camaraderie among officers, soldiers, their families and host communities at the end of an intensive training year.
The 2025 WASA featured a colourful display of Nigeria’s cultural diversity, with dance performances representing Edo, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Calabar, Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups. The event also included military competitions such as high-speed rifle strip-and-assemble contests for both male and female soldiers, as well as tug-of-war matches showcasing the physical endurance of the troops.
Awards were presented to outstanding soldiers in recognition of their exceptional performance during the 2025 training year.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including the Chief of Staff, 4 Brigade, Colonel U.S. Agbo, alongside traditional rulers and other invited dignitaries. It concluded with the traditional beating of the retreat and the lighting of a bonfire to symbolically usher in the 2026 operational year.
By PRNigeria
