Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles

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, six motorcycles and other items during an offensive operation.

The operation, according to the Army, followed credible human intelligence indicating that suspected kidnappers were hiding in the forest.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the troops recovered a substantial cache of ammunition and other materials from the criminal camp.

Anele explained that the suspected criminals opened fire to alert other members of their group after sighting the advancing troops before fleeing into the forest.

She said the soldiers immediately pursued the fleeing suspects deep into the forest, but were unable to establish contact with them.

READ ALSO:

• Nasarawa: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Collecting N200,000 Ransom
• Taraba Pageant Community Mourns as Former Queen Comfort Williams Dies
• Terrorists Abduct 14 Islamic School Students in Niger, Police Launch Rescue Operation

“The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals deep into the forest, but no contact was made. The troops, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including all supportive structures,” she stated.

According to the Army spokesperson, the recovered items included 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem and six motorcycles.

Other items recovered from the hideout included soap, a jerrycan containing petrol, clothing and pairs of shoes.

The Army said troops were still combing the forest and surrounding areas in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects.

The operation forms part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts, disrupt the activities of suspected kidnappers and improve security across Kogi State.

The recovery of the ammunition and motorcycles is expected to provide further intelligence on the activities and possible movements of the suspected criminal group.

However, the Army did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the operation as of the time of the announcement.