Troops of the 5 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have neutralised members of a notorious criminal gang responsible for the killing of four soldiers and the abduction of two Korean expatriates in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the troops launched a cordon-and-search operation, which led to the recovery of several arms and ammunition.

He said the operation, carried out on January 6, 2025, was a carefully planned and executed mission following credible intelligence on the return of the wanted criminals to their hideout in Kalaogbokolo.

Danjuma noted that the recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, one pump-action gun, two locally made rifles, three AK-47 magazines, one FN magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special), and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO).

He also revealed that two members of the criminal gang were apprehended during the operation.

However, he added that while the troops were exploiting the area for further discoveries, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush and were neutralised after a long pursuit.

The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has reassured the general public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

The Division has also called on members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence on the activities of such criminal gangs to security agencies.

Danjuma stated: “The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, wishes to restate that no matter how long it takes, criminals who are involved in such dastardly acts will pay a heavy price for their actions. The general public is reassured of the Division’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”