Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines 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, followed an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest on November 2, during which troops engaged the criminal group.
The Army said the follow-up operation was aimed at tracking fleeing suspects, clearing remaining hideouts and preventing the criminals from operating freely in the area.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops encountered the fleeing suspects during the operation and engaged them in a gun battle.
“The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding forest,” the statement said.
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 had sustained their presence in the general area to prevent criminal activities.
It added that the troops remained committed to maintaining pressure on criminal groups operating within their area of responsibility.
The Army reassured residents of Kogi State of its determination to sustain operations against criminal elements, protect lives and property and restore lasting peace and security across the state.
