Troops destroy kidnappers’ den, recover ammunition, motorcycles, sundry items in Kogi forest

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force, QRF, have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, said troops further recovered a substantial cache of ammunition and other items during an offensive operation.

The operation followed credible human intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers hibernating in the forest.

Following this, troops acting swiftly on the information mobilised to locate and neutralise the criminal elements.

“On approaching the hideout, the suspected kidnappers fired a shot to alert other members of the group before fleeing deeper into the forest,” the statement said.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals deep into the forest, but no contact was made; however, the criminals’ camp, including all support structures, was destroyed.

Items recovered from the hideout include 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, one hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem, two packets of soap, a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, clothing, pairs of shoes and six motorcycles.

The statement further added that the Nigerian Army remained resolute in sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers and other threats to the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.

The statement advised members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal networks.