Troops of the Nigerian Army successfully raided and destroyed a suspected kidnappers' hideout in the Edimogbo Forest, situated within the Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, seizing a substantial cache of ammunition and logistical supplies. The security operation, executed by personnel of the 21 Battalion, was launched following actionable intelligence reports regarding criminal activities within the forested terrain.
Details of the raid were made public through an official statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Composite Brigade.
Upon receiving the intelligence reports, military units quickly deployed to the designated area with the objective of detaining the suspects and dismantling their operational base. Faced with the advancing military personnel, the suspected criminals abandoned their camp and retreated deeper into the thick vegetation. Although direct contact with the suspects was avoided, the soldiers thoroughly combed the area, located the hideout, and completely destroyed the facility to prevent future occupation.
What items were recovered from the camp?
During the thorough search of the dismantled enclave, military personnel recovered a significant volume of military-grade equipment and everyday items used by the suspects. The seized items included roughly 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile telephone, a Glo internet modem, cartons of soap, a container filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), footwear, various garments, and six Daylong motorcycles.
Commenting on the successful raid, the military hierarchy stated that the operation demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the 12 Composite Brigade to mount relentless pressure on criminal networks and deny them freedom of movement across the region.
Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, the Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, lauded the troops for their swift action, professional determination, and endurance during the mission. He encouraged the officers to maintain their aggressive operational momentum and keep up their vigilance in order to completely eradicate criminal elements from Kogi State.
Furthermore, the military authorities reiterated their dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens throughout the country. They appealed to members of the general public to sustain the provision of reliable and prompt information to security forces to aid ongoing counter-crime operations.