Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside personnel of the Kogi State Vigilance Service (KSVS), have killed three suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons and ammunition during an operation in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation was carried out on November 4, 2026, by troops of the 12 Composite Brigade under the newly established 5 Division of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to track down suspected kidnappers operating in the area.
He explained that the security team had earlier conducted raids and search operations in Edimogbo Forest before extending the operation towards Obele Forest in pursuit of fleeing criminal suspects.
According to him, the troops encountered the suspected kidnappers during the search, but the criminals attempted to escape after sighting the security personnel.
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The encounter resulted in the death of three suspected kidnappers, while 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 and an identity card.
The Army said the operation was part of sustained efforts to weaken criminal networks, destroy their hideouts and prevent kidnappers from operating freely within the area.
The Commander of 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the soldiers and vigilance personnel for their dedication and professionalism.
He urged them to maintain the pressure on criminal groups and ensure that they had no safe places to operate within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
The Nigerian Army also reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities of its commitment to protecting lives and property.
It urged members of the public to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
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