Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition during a follow-up military operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and other items allegedly belonging to the criminal group.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Lokoja.
According to Abdullahi, the latest offensive followed Monday’s raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest, during which troops destroyed a camp and recovered approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles.
He explained that soldiers continued combing the forest on Tuesday to locate fleeing suspects, dismantle remaining hideouts and prevent criminal elements from regrouping.
During the operation, troops reportedly encountered some of the fleeing suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“During the follow-up operation, troops again made contact with the fleeing criminal elements and engaged them, forcing the suspects to withdraw,” Abdullahi stated.
He confirmed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during the encounter, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.
Following the confrontation, soldiers searched the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles alongside seven magazines.
The military also recovered 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, bringing the total recovered during Tuesday’s operation to 5,163 rounds.
Additional items included two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.
The latest discoveries followed the seizure of ammunition, motorcycles and other materials during Monday’s operation, bringing the combined ammunition recovery from both raids to approximately 6,163 rounds.
Abdullahi described the follow-up operation as a continuation of efforts to deny suspected kidnappers access to operational bases within the forest.
He said the troops remained deployed in the area, maintaining surveillance and conducting further operations to prevent the return of fleeing suspects.
According to the Army spokesperson, the soldiers’ morale and operational effectiveness remained high despite the challenges associated with tracking criminal groups through forested terrain.
He reiterated the Brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within Kogi State.
Abdullahi also reassured residents that the Nigerian Army remained committed to protecting lives and property through continued security operations.
The military maintained that its activities were aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.
Although two suspects were reported killed, the Army confirmed that other members of the group escaped, indicating that efforts to track the remaining suspects were continuing.
Ezeana Emmanuel
