Mr Abubakar said several others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
“You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities,” he said.
“Yesterday evening. The corpse was discovered this morning after the other person who sustained injuries established communication with his community,” a youth leader said.
The operations led to the recovery of communication devices, cash, and other items linking the suspects to criminal activities.
Mr Oteh said the pursuit enabled troops to rescue a pastor and his wife from the kidnappers.
Following the incident, some residents of the village reportedly carried out a reprisal.
He said the items recovered from the suspects were two motorcycles, daggers, machetes, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.
The rescued victims were identified as Temitope Samuel, 42 and Mohammed Sani, 40.
Mr Umahi said insecurity has become politicised and often escalated during election periods.
The local added that the bandits were heading to their camp in Gbangede axis when they saw the two men and shot at them.
