Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Kogi State Vigilance Service, have killed three suspected kidnappers and recovered four AK-47 rifles and ammunition during a security operation in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on November 4, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three bandoliers and an identity card.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, under the newly established 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, conducted the operation with personnel of the Kogi State Vigilance Service as part of efforts to tackle kidnapping activities in the state.
Abdullahi said the operation followed earlier raids and intelligence-gathering activities targeting suspected kidnappers operating in Edimogbo Forest.
He explained that the joint security team extended its search from Edimogbo Forest towards Obele Forest in pursuit of suspected criminal elements who had fled the earlier operations.
During the search, the troops reportedly encountered the suspects, who attempted to escape after sighting the advancing security personnel.
The encounter resulted in the deaths of three suspects, while a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of the firearms, ammunition and other items.
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The Army said the operation was part of sustained offensive activities, intelligence-led patrols and efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts across the area.
The Commander of 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops and personnel of the state vigilance service for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He urged them to sustain their efforts and prevent criminal elements from using the brigade’s area of responsibility as a safe haven.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
It also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.