Suspected Kidnappers Found With Miyetti Allah ID Cards Killed in Kogi Shootout With Navy

Two suspected kidnappers reportedly found in possession of identity cards belonging to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria have been killed during a gun battle with personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Kogi State.

Security sources said the incident occurred during a naval operation following actionable intelligence on the movement of suspected criminal elements along a riverine corridor in the state.

The suspects were said to have engaged naval operatives in a shootout after refusing to surrender.

According to the sources, the confrontation led to the death of the two suspects, while arms and other items were recovered at the scene. Among the items reportedly found on them were identity cards bearing the name of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

The Navy said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities within Kogi State and its surrounding waterways.

Security officials added that investigations have commenced to determine the identities of the suspects, the authenticity of the recovered ID cards and the extent of their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

The development comes amid heightened security operations across Kogi State, following a rise in reports of abductions and attacks along major roads and rural communities.

Residents have commended the Navy and other security agencies for intensifying patrols, while calling on the government to sustain the crackdown on criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods in the state.