Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles in an operation aimed at disrupting the gang’s activities.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
Col. Anele said the operation was conducted by troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF) following intelligence on the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.
She said the suspects fired a shot to alert their colleagues after sighting the advancing troops before escaping deeper into the forest.
According to her, athough the troops pursued them, there was no further contact. They subsequently destroyed the camp and its supporting structures to prevent the suspects from continuing to use the location as a base.
She said the troops recovered items including: 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, six motorcycles, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem, two packets of soap, a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), clothing and footwear.
The Army spokesperson said troops were continuing to comb the surrounding forest to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
Colonel Anele reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and protecting communities across the country.
