Nigerian Troops Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers in Kogi State Operation

On November 4, troops from the Nigerian Army, working with the Kogi State Vigilance Service, killed three suspected kidnappers in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation also resulted in the recovery of four AK-47 rifles and a large amount of ammunition.

The operation followed earlier raids on suspected kidnappers’ locations in Edimogbo Forest. Security forces expanded their search to the Obele Forest area to catch fleeing suspects. According to Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the suspects tried to escape when they saw the troops, leading to a gunfight in which all three were killed.

During the operation, the troops recovered not only the rifles but also 12 magazines, 336 rounds of special ammunition, three bandoliers, and an identity card. This action is part of ongoing efforts by the 12 Composite Brigade of the Nigerian Army to dismantle kidnapping networks in the area.

Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, the Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, praised the troops and the Kogi State Vigilance Service for their professionalism and effectiveness. He encouraged them to keep up their efforts to ensure that criminals cannot operate freely in the region.

The Army also called on residents of Kogi State and nearby communities to provide timely and reliable information to help with their operations.