RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Composite Brigade have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 5,163 rounds of ammunition during a security operation in Kogi State.
The operation took place on Tuesday, November 3, in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, following an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Abdullahi, troops returned to the forest to track fleeing suspects, dismantle remaining hideouts and prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
He explained that the follow-up operation was conducted after soldiers encountered suspected kidnappers during an initial raid on November 2.
During Tuesday’s operation, the troops reportedly encountered armed suspects and engaged them in a gunfight.
The Army said two suspected kidnappers were killed during the encounter, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62mm × 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 military said the recovered weapons and communication devices formed part of the materials discovered during the clearance operation.
Abdullahi explained that the latest operation followed an earlier raid in which troops dismantled a suspected criminal hideout in the same forest.
During the November 2 operation, soldiers reportedly recovered approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, six motorcycles and other items abandoned by fleeing suspects.
The Army described the latest operation as a continuation of efforts to disrupt kidnapping activities and deny armed groups access to forest hideouts.
It added that troops were maintaining their presence in the area to prevent suspects from returning or establishing new operational bases.
The brigade also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Kogi State.
According to the statement, military personnel would continue intelligence-led operations and sustained patrols against criminal groups within their area of responsibility.
The Army assured residents that efforts to improve security would continue, while encouraging public cooperation with security agencies.
The identities of the two people killed were not disclosed, and their alleged involvement in kidnapping has not been independently established.
