Nigerian Army Smashes Criminal Camp in Edimogbo Forest, Seizes Motorcycles

The 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF) has destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the Edimogbo Forest, located within the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The offensive, which took place on Monday, November 2, 2026, led to the recovery of a massive cache of ammunition, operational vehicles, and various logistics supplies.

The military operation was launched following reports revealing that a syndicate of kidnappers was using the dense forest as a launchpad for criminal activities.

Acting on the tip-off, the tactical troops mobilised to neutralise the threat, but the lookouts among the criminals fired a warning shot to alert their gang members before scattering deeper into the rugged forest terrain.

While no direct firefight occurred, the army completely dismantled and burnt down the criminal enclave, including all its supportive structures, to prevent the gang from regrouping.

A search of the abandoned camp yielded a significant haul of lethal military gear and communication assets. The troops seized 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition alongside seven ammunition bandoliers. To disrupt the syndicate’s communication channels, the operatives also confiscated a mobile phone and a Glo internet modem left behind by the fleeing suspects.

In addition to the weaponry, the tactical team recovered key transit assets and camp maintenance equipment. Six daylong motorcycles used by the gang for swift navigation through the bush paths were seized, along with a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to fuel them. The final sweep of the hideout uncovered various logistics and personal items, including two shovels, a hand pump, clothing, shoes, and basic toiletries.

In an official statement, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that exploitation of the wider forest area is still actively ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Colonel Anele reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to sustain aggressive operations against kidnappers and bandits to guarantee the safety of law-abiding citizens.

The military high command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and consistently provide security agencies with timely, actionable information to help dismantle criminal networks across the country.