Troops Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Over 5,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition during a clearance operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, by troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division, followed an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on November 2.

The Army said the follow-up operation was aimed at tracking fleeing suspects, clearing remaining criminal hideouts and preventing the kidnappers from regrouping or continuing their activities in the area.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops made contact with the fleeing criminals during the operation and engaged them, forcing the suspects to retreat into the surrounding forest.

The encounter resulted in the killing of two suspected kidnappers, while other members of the group escaped.

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 Army said the latest operation had consolidated the gains recorded during the previous day’s raid, adding that troops were sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

It also stated that troops had continued to dominate the general area, with their morale and operational effectiveness remaining high.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining security operations across Kogi State, assuring residents of continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks, protect lives and property and restore lasting peace.