In a follow-up operation, troops of the Nigerian Army and the Kogi Vigilance Service (KSVS) have neutralized three suspected kidnappers in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela-Odolu local government area of Kogi State. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, was a continuation of earlier raids against suspected kidnappers operating in the area. The joint team extended its search from Edimogbo forest towards Obele forest, leading to an encounter with the suspected kidnappers.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja. Abdullahi stated that the troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers, who attempted to escape upon sighting the security forces. The encounter resulted in the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers. The troops also recovered four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three bandoliers, and an identity card.
According to Abdullahi, the successful operation demonstrates the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements in Kogi. The success was achieved through continuous offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and effective exploitation of identified criminal hideouts. The continued dominance of the general area aims to deny kidnappers freedom of action and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.
The Commander, 12 Composite Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, commended the troops and personnel of the KSVS for their resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness. Sidi 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 (AoR). He reassured the people of Kogi and environs of the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting lives and property.
Sidi also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations. The Nigerian Army's efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes in Kogi State have been ongoing, with troops neutralizing two suspected kidnappers and recovering arms and ammunition in Edimogbo Forest just two days prior.
The recovery of arms and ammunition, including four AK-47 rifles and 336 rounds of ammunition, is a significant blow to the kidnappers' operations. The Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting lives and property has been reaffirmed, and the public has been encouraged to provide information to support the efforts.
The operation in Edimogbo Forest is part of the Nigerian Army's broader efforts to tackle insecurity in the country. The troops' success in neutralizing the kidnappers and recovering arms and ammunition has been hailed as a significant achievement. The Nigerian Army will continue to work with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kogi State.
Key points
- Nigerian troops and Kogi Vigilance Service neutralize three kidnappers in Edimogbo Forest.
- Troops recover four AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, and 336 rounds of ammunition.
- Operation aims to deny kidnappers freedom of action and restore confidence among residents.
