Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition, motorcycles and other items.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF) following credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location to dislodge the criminal elements.
She said the suspected kidnappers, upon sighting the advancing troops, fired a shot to alert other members of the group before fleeing deeper into the forest.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects but made no contact with them. They, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including its supporting structures.
Items recovered from the hideout include 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem, two packets of soap and a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit.
Others are clothing, pairs of shoes and six motorcycles.
Anele said troops were continuing to comb the surrounding areas in efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
She reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the safety and security of citizens.
The Army also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.
Leave a Reply