Nigerian Army neutralises two suspected kidnappers and recovers weapons in Kogi State forest

According to reports, personnel from the 12 Composite Brigade of the Nigerian Army conducted a forty-eight-hour mission in Edimogbo Forest within the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, which led to the elimination of two alleged abductors and the confiscation of various arms and gear. According to a statement released by the brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the follow‑up action on 3 November 2026 followed an earlier raid on 2 November that had forced the suspects to flee deeper into the forest.

The follow‑up operation involved tracking the fleeing individuals, clearing remaining hideouts and dismantling a suspected kidnappers’ camp. During the engagement, military forces secured two AK-47 firearms, seven magazines, and 438 rounds of 7.62 mm × 54 ammunition, 4,725 rounds of 7.62 mm specialized ammunition, two bandoliers, two cellular devices, and a portable charger, as noted by Punch. Arise added that the operation also yielded approximately one thousand rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, six motorcycles, a modem and additional logistics items.

Background

Kidnapping has been a persistent security challenge in parts of Kogi State, prompting joint efforts by the army, the Kogi State Police Command and other agencies. The 12 Composite Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, has been tasked with neutralising criminal networks operating in the forested areas of the state. Intelligence gathered from credible human sources indicated the presence of a kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, prompting the initial raid on 2 November. The brigade’s public relations office confirmed that the suspects fled on sight of the advancing troops, leading to a pursuit that culminated in the November 3 engagement.

Why it matters

The seizure of firearms, ammunition and communication equipment is significant for regional security, as it removes material that could be used to sustain kidnapping operations. The army’s statement emphasised that destroying the camp denied the criminals a safe haven, thereby reducing the risk to local communities. Brigadier General Sidi commended the unit for its swift action, resolve, and endurance, while calling for sustained alertness to safeguard residents and assets throughout Kogi State. The operation also demonstrates the effectiveness of community‑provided intelligence, with the army encouraging the public to keep supplying credible information to support ongoing security actions.

What happens next

The brigade indicated that its troops will maintain pressure on criminal elements across their area of responsibility, continuing to dominate the forest region and monitor for any resurgence of kidnapping activity. No further contact with the suspects was reported after the November 3 operation, and the army has not announced additional raids, but it reaffirmed its commitment to sustain the operational tempo and to work closely with state police and other security agencies.