In a decisive operation aimed at curbing criminal activity in Kwara State, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have arrested eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during a raid on a hideout near Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area.
In a statement Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 22 Brigade, Ilorin Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo said the operation, carried out on Saturday, June 21, followed credible intelligence reports on the location of the criminal enclave. Troops encountered light resistance during the mission but swiftly subdued the suspects with superior firepower.
The rescued victims were identified as Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael. One suspect, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and was evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for treatment.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells believed to have been used by the gang. The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation. They will be handed over to appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on members of the public to continue sharing timely and actionable intelligence to aid ongoing security operations. “The success of this mission underscores our resolve to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace to all communities under our protection,” said Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Brigade, Ilorin.
