Nigerian Army troops have killed two suspected kidnappers during an operation in Edimogbo Forest, Kogi State, recovering arms and ammunition in the process.

The operation is part of ongoing military efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats in the state.

However, details of the operation, including the date, the identities of the suspects and the specific weapons and ammunition recovered, have not been provided in the information available.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 12 Composite Brigade, 5 Division, on November 3, 2026, following an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the same forest on November 2.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops returned to the forest to track suspects who escaped during the initial operation and clear other hideouts.

The soldiers reportedly made contact with the fleeing suspects during the follow-up operation, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which two suspected kidnappers were killed, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 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 its efforts to prevent criminal groups from regrouping and operating freely within the area.

It added that troops would sustain operations against criminal elements in Kogi State as part of efforts to protect lives and property and restore security.

The Army also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.