Three suspected kidnappers killed as troops raid forests in Kogi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have killed three suspected kidnappers during a follow-up operation in Edimogbo and Obele forests in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Response Force, QRF, working alongside personnel of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, KSVS, Alloma.

Security sources told Makama that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the troops to track down and flush out suspected kidnappers believed to be operating in the area.

The latest operation followed earlier raids and search activities in Edimogbo Forest, where troops had been working to locate the fleeing suspects.

According to the sources, the soldiers extended their search from Edimogbo Forest towards the general area of Obele in pursuit of the suspected criminals.

The troops eventually made contact with the fleeing suspects during the operation.

“The suspected kidnappers reportedly attempted to escape after sighting the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by the soldiers’ superior firepower,” Makama said.

Three of the suspects were killed during the encounter.