By Uriel Ihotu
Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Kogi State Vigilance Service (KSVS), have killed three suspected kidnappers and recovered four AK-47 rifles and 336 rounds of ammunition during a follow-up security operation in Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on November 4, 2026, took place in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area following earlier security raids in Edimogbo Forest.
According to the Nigerian Army, the joint security team extended its search to Obele Forest in pursuit of suspected kidnappers who reportedly fled during the earlier operations.
The suspects allegedly attempted to escape after sighting the advancing troops but were intercepted by the security personnel. Three of them were subsequently neutralised.
The operation also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles and 336 rounds of ammunition, further strengthening the ongoing security offensive against kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
The Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the soldiers and KSVS personnel for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He urged the security team to sustain the pressure on criminal groups and ensure that criminals are denied 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.
It also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to track down criminal elements using forest locations as hideouts in Kogi State.
Source: Nigerian Army.
