Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered 5,163 rounds of ammunition during a follow-up security operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation was conducted on Tuesday, November 3, by troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, following an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on November 2.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement.

According to the Army, the follow-up operation was aimed at tracking suspects who fled during the initial encounter, clearing remaining hideouts and preventing the group from regrouping.

Abdullahi said troops made contact with the fleeing suspects during the operation and engaged them, resulting in the deaths of two suspected kidnappers, while other members of the group escaped into the surrounding forest.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 5,163 rounds of ammunition.

The recovered ammunition comprised 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Other items recovered included two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.

The Army said the operation had strengthened the gains made during the previous day’s raid, adding that troops would continue to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

It also said the troops remained active in the general area as part of efforts to prevent criminal elements from regaining control of the forest.

The 12 Composite Brigade has been working with the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of the state.

The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring security across Kogi State, while urging residents to support security operations with credible information.