Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition, six motorcycles and other items.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force (QRF) following intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.
The Army said the operation was launched after credible human intelligence revealed that criminal elements were using the forest as a hideout.
In a statement on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the troops moved swiftly to locate the suspected criminals and dismantle their camp.
She said the suspected kidnappers opened fire to alert other members of the group as the troops approached their hideout before fleeing deeper into the forest.
According to her, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects but did not make contact with them.
The soldiers, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including its supporting structures, to prevent its further use by the suspected kidnappers.
Items recovered during the operation included 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, one hand pump, a mobile phone and a Glo modem.
The troops also recovered two packets of soap, a jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), clothing, pairs of shoes and six motorcycles.
Colonel Anele said troops were still conducting operations across the general area to track down the fleeing suspects.
