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 and other items during an offensive operation.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF) following credible intelligence about the presence of suspected kidnappers operating from the forest.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the troops moved swiftly to the location after receiving information about the criminal hideout.
She explained that the suspected kidnappers spotted the advancing soldiers and fired a shot to alert other members of their group before fleeing deeper into the forest.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects but were unable to make contact with them. They subsequently destroyed the camp, including structures believed to have supported the group’s activities.
Items recovered from the hideout included 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 petrol.
The soldiers also recovered clothing, pairs of shoes and six motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspects.
Colonel Anele said troops were still combing the surrounding area in a bid to track down the fleeing criminals.
She reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening the safety of Nigerians.
The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information to help dismantle criminal networks across the country.
