Kogi: Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Camp, Recover 1,000 Ammunition Rounds, Six Motorcycles
Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided and destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu LGA of Kogi State, recovering a large cache of ammunition and other logistics believed to have been used by the criminal group.
The operation, conducted by the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF), followed intelligence reports about the presence of suspected kidnappers hiding in the forest.
According to the Army, the troops immediately moved to the identified location to confront the criminal elements.
On sighting the advancing soldiers, the suspected kidnappers reportedly fired a shot to alert their colleagues before escaping further into the forest.
Although the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, they were unable to establish contact with them. The soldiers, however, proceeded to demolish the hideout and destroy all structures within the camp.
A search of the area led to the recovery of 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, a jerrycan of petrol, clothing, pairs of shoes and six daylong motorcycles.
The Army disclosed that troops were still combing the general area in an effort to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
It stressed that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to deny kidnappers and other criminal groups safe havens from which to carry out their activities.
The military further called on residents to support security agencies with useful intelligence, noting that timely information from the public remains critical to tackling criminal activities and ensuring national security.
