By ZAKAA LAZARUS
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.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on 2 November 2026.
According to the statement, 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 sighted the advancing troops, fired a shot to alert other members of the group, and fled deeper into the forest. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals deep into the forest but no contact was made. The troops however destroyed the criminal camp including all supportive 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 motorcycles.
Exploitation of the general area is still ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Nigerian Army said it remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers and other threats to the safety and security of law-abiding citizens, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal networks.
