Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised three suspected kidnappers and recovered four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines and 336 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on November 4, 2026, involved troops of the 12 Composite Brigade under the newly established 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, working alongside personnel of the Kogi State Vigilance Service.
The Army said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and flush out criminal elements operating in the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation followed earlier raids and exploitation activities in Edimogbo Forest.
He explained that the joint security team extended its search from Edimogbo Forest towards the Obele Forest area in pursuit of suspected kidnappers who had fled during previous operations.
The statement said the suspects attempted to escape after sighting the advancing troops, resulting in an encounter that left three of them neutralised.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three bandoliers and an identity card.
The Army said the operation was part of sustained efforts to restrict the movement of criminal groups through offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols and searches of suspected criminal hideouts.
It added that maintaining security dominance in the affected areas would deny kidnappers freedom of action and help restore confidence among residents.
The Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops and members of the Kogi State Vigilance Service for their resilience, professionalism and effectiveness during the operation.
He urged them to sustain the offensive and remain vigilant to prevent criminal elements from establishing safe havens within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi State and neighbouring communities, while urging residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information to support ongoing operations.
