Troops raid kidnapper hideout in Kogi, neutralise 3 suspects

Troops from the 12 Composite Brigade of the newly formed 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, together with members of the Kogi State Vigilance Service, KSVS, have neutralised three suspected kidnappers and seized weapons and ammunitions in a follow up exploitation exercise in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Lt Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Nigerian Army, said in a statement on Wednesday that the exercise was carried out on November 4, 2026, as part of a series of raid and exploitation exercises in the Edimogbo Forest on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.

It said the joint team was extending its search from Edimogbo Forest towards the general area of Obele Forest in pursuit of the fleeing criminal elements.

During the operation, troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers, who attempted to escape upon sighting the security forces.

It said the encounter resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers, while subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three bandoliers and an identity card.

The successful operation underscores the sustained operational pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements through continuous offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols and effective exploitation of identified criminal hideouts.

The continued dominance of the general area is also aimed at denying kidnappers freedom of action and restoring confidence among residents of the affected communities.

The Commander 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi commended the troops and personnel of the Kogi State Vigilance Service for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness.

He urged them to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in ensuring that criminal elements are denied safe havens within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

The Nigerian Army reassures the good people of Kogi State and environs of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while calling on members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.