In Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigerian Army troops from 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division, successfully neutralised two kidnappers and recovered weapons and ammunition during a follow-up exploitation operation.
“The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, followed the successful raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on November 2, 2026,” stated Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement.
According to the report, the soldiers established communication with the criminals, monitored their forest exploitation, apprehended those who were trying to escape, destroyed any remaining hideouts, and effectively curbed their freedom of action.
According to the report, two kidnappers were neutralised during the follow-up operation, while others escaped into the nearby woodland. Troops re-engaged with the fleeing criminal elements and forced them to withdraw.
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 were seized by the troops.
The statement stated that this successful exploitation operation solidifies the gains made during the raid the previous day and emphasises the Brigade’s commitment to continuing to pressurise criminal elements operating within its jurisdiction.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army has assured the public, and the people of Kogi State in particular, of its steadfast determination to continue operations against criminal groups, safeguard lives and property, and establish permanent peace and security throughout the state.