By Our Correspondent
TROOPS of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF), have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering a substantial cache of ammunition and other items during an offensive operation.
The operation followed credible human intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers hibernating in the forest. Acting swiftly on the information, troops mobilised to locate and neutralise the criminal elements.
On approaching the hideout, the suspected kidnappers, on sighting the advancing troops, fired a shot to alert other members of the group before fleeing deeper into the forest. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals but made no contact. They, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including all supporting structures.
Items recovered from the hideout include 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, one hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem, two packets of soap, a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), clothing, pairs of shoes and six Daylong motorcycles. Exploitation of the general area is still ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers and other threats to the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.
Members of the public have been urged to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal networks.
The operation was disclosed in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on 2 November 2026.
