Troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition during a follow-up operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, was part of ongoing clearance operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements and restoring security across the state.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation followed a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on November 2, during which troops made contact with the criminals.
He said troops subsequently sustained the exploitation of the forest to track fleeing suspects, clear remaining hideouts and deny the criminals freedom of action.
During the follow-up operation, troops again engaged the fleeing criminal elements, forcing them to retreat. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered included two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.
The statement said the operation had further consolidated the gains recorded during the previous day’s raid, adding that troops continued to dominate the area, with their morale and fighting efficiency remaining high.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and security across Kogi State.
It also reassured residents of the state of its determination to maintain pressure on kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.
