Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have overrun a bandits’ camp in Kogi and rescued two kidnap victims, following intelligence reports on the movement of injured bandits linked to criminal leaders. A military operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday revealed that the bandits operated around the Niger-Kwara-Kogi axis before the military offensive.
Operation Details
According to the report, troops, supported by a police helicopter, intercepted fleeing bandits moving toward the Niger and Kwara borders. The troops destroyed a camp belonging to a bandit leader, Kachallah Babangida. The operation also led to the clearance of an illegal mining site that was funding criminal activities.
“Several fleeing bandits moving with more than 30 rustled cattle were engaged during the operation,” the report stated.
Aftermath and Recovery
The military said troops later carried out cordon-and-search operations in Owara community and advanced toward Aleke village, suspected of being a hideout for fleeing bandits. “Four motorcycles abandoned by the criminals were recovered, while one suspected bandit was arrested,” it added. The arrested suspect was identified as Ado Ibrahim, according to the operational report.
Military authorities said abandoned farm settlements used by bandits around Aleke were destroyed. Two kidnap victims escaped during an air interdiction of a bandit camp. The victims were identified as Yahuza Sani and Tanimola Temidayo. They reportedly linked up with troops at a patrol base in Obajana and were evacuated for medical attention after their rescue.
Ongoing Operations
The military said operations would continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements, adding that troops would maintain efforts to restore security across affected communities.
