Troops Neutralise Two Kidnappers, Recover Arms In Kogi Forest

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 clearance operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts by the military to rid the state of criminal elements and consolidate gains recorded during an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest on November 2.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the follow-up operation was aimed at tracking fleeing suspects, clearing remaining hideouts and denying criminals freedom of action.

According to him, troops made contact with the fleeing criminal elements during the operation and engaged them, forcing the suspects to withdraw into the surrounding forest.

He said the encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while others escaped.

Abdullahi stated that 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, 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.

He added that the successful exploitation of the forest had further consolidated the gains of the previous day’s operation, noting that troops had continued to dominate the general area to prevent criminal elements from regrouping.

The Army spokesman said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high, as the Brigade sustained pressure on criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.

The Nigerian Army, he said,
reassured residents of Kogi State of its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal groups, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and security across the state.