Get Guardian on GoogleTroops of the 21 Battalion under the 12 Composite Brigade, Lokoja, have failed to arrest suspected bandits when the troops invaded the camp of the suspects.
The troops who invaded the hideouts of the suspects reported back that the criminals fled on sighting the troops.
A statement in Lokoja on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations,12 Composite Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi noted that in a sustained effort to rid Kogi State of criminal elements and enhance security across the state, troops of 21 Battalion under 12 Composite Brigade Area of Responsibility have dismantled a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The PRO said, “The operation followed credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) on the suspected presence of kidnappers taking refuge in the forest. Acting on the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the identified location to apprehend the criminal elements and dismantle their hideout.
“On sighting the advancing troops, the suspected kidnappers reportedly fled further into the forest. Troops subsequently pursued the fleeing criminals and advanced to their hideout.
“Although no further contact was made with the suspects, troops successfully dismantled and destroyed the existing camp, denying the criminals a haven for their nefarious activities”
The troops said they, however, recovered arms during the operation, including approximately 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, 7 bandoliers, 2 shovels, 1 hand pump, 1 mobile phone, 1 GLO modem, packets of soap, a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), pairs of shoes, clothing and 6 Daylong motorcycles.
“The successful operation underscores the commitment of troops of the 12 Composite Brigade to sustaining operational pressure on criminal elements and denying them freedom of action within the area of responsibility.
“The Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their prompt response, determination and resilience. He urged them to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant in the ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements”.
The Nigerian Army reassures the good people of Kogi State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. Members of the public are also encouraged to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
