Army neutralises two suspected kidnappers in Kogi, recovers arms

Troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division Nigerian Army, have neutralised two fleeing suspected kidnappers and recovered their arms and ammunition during the operation.

The offensive operation against the suspect took place shortly after the troop invaded the hideout of the suspect in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State last Monday.

A statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi in Lokoja on Wednesday reads, “In continuation of the ongoing clearance operations to rid Kogi State of criminal elements, troops of 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division Nigerian Army, have neutralised two kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition during a follow-up exploitation operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“The operation, conducted on 3 November 2026, followed the successful raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on 2 November 2026, during which troops made contact with the criminal elements. Building on the gains of the initial operation, troops subsequently sustained the exploitation of the forest to track down fleeing suspects, clear remaining hideouts and deny the criminals freedom of action.

“During the follow-up operation, troops again made contact with the fleeing criminal elements and engaged them, forcing the suspects to withdraw. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding forest”.

According to the statement, “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 one power bank.

“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 Nigerian Army reassures the general public, particularly the good people of Kogi State, of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements, protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace and security across the state.