Nigerian Army troops have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in a forest in Kogi State and recovered ammunition, motorcycles and other items, the army said Monday.
Soldiers of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force carried out the operation in Edimogbo Forest, in the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, following intelligence that suspected kidnappers were hiding there, according to a statement from army spokesman Col. Appolonia Anele.
As the troops approached the camp, the suspects saw them and fired a shot to alert other members of the group before fleeing deeper into the forest, the statement said. Soldiers pursued them but made no contact. The troops then destroyed the camp, including all structures there.
Items recovered included 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, six Daylong motorcycles, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone and a Glo modem. Troops also found a jerrycan of premium motor spirit, two packets of soap, clothing and pairs of shoes.
The army said it is still searching the surrounding area for the suspects who escaped. No arrests or casualties were reported.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent security threat in parts of Nigeria, including Kogi State.
Anele, the acting director of army public relations, said the army will continue offensive operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups. He urged members of the public to keep giving security agencies “credible and timely information” to support those efforts.
