Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition during an operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, was part of efforts to track fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal hideouts following an earlier raid in the forest.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued late Tuesday.
He said the follow-up operation was launched after troops made contact with suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout on November 2.
According to the statement, soldiers subsequently tracked the fleeing suspects and searched other locations within the forest, leading to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.
The Army said the operation consolidated the gains recorded during the previous day’s raid and demonstrated its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in Kogi State.
“The successful exploitation operation further consolidates the gains recorded during the previous day’s raid and underscores the Brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.
“Troops have continued to dominate the general area, with their morale and fighting efficiency remaining high,” the statement added.
The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while working towards restoring lasting peace and security across the state.
The 12 Composite Brigade has been working alongside the police and other security agencies to combat kidnapping and other security threats in parts of Kogi State.
