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Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected kidnappers and recovered four AK-47 rifles, 336 rounds of ammunition and other weapons during an operation in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, involved troops of the 12 Composite Brigade under the newly established 5 Division of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Vigilance Service.
The Army said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and rid the state of criminal elements.
In a statement on Wednesday, Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, said the operation followed earlier raids and exploitation activities targeting suspected kidnappers operating in Edimogbo Forest.
He said the joint security team extended its search from Edimogbo Forest towards Obele Forest in pursuit of fleeing suspected kidnappers.
According to him, the troops made contact with the suspects during the operation, prompting an encounter after the criminals attempted to escape upon sighting the security personnel.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers, who attempted to escape upon sighting the security forces. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” he said.
Abdullahi said subsequent searches of the area led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines and 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered included three bandoliers and an identity card.
He said the operation was part of sustained military pressure on criminal groups through offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols and searches of identified criminal hideouts.
The Army said the continued military presence in the area was aimed at denying kidnappers freedom of movement and restoring confidence among residents of affected communities.
The Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier-General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops and members of the state vigilance service for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He urged them to sustain the offensive and ensure that criminal elements were denied safe havens within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
The Army also assured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities of its commitment to protecting lives and property.
It urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
