Leadnaija
Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, operating under the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Patigi, Kwara State, have arrested eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two hostages during a daring raid on a criminal hideout in the state.
The military operation, which took place on Saturday, June 21, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the gang in Latandaji Village, Patigi Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the troops encountered mild resistance during the operation but overpowered the suspects with superior firepower.
Two victims, identified as Amos Moses and Philip Michael, were successfully rescued from captivity. One suspect, Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was immediately evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for treatment.
“The operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers. Additionally, two motorcycles and two expended cartridges were recovered from the hideout,” the statement said.
The suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigations, after which they will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution.
Lieutenant Nwankwo reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the state and the country at large.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts at tackling criminality.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives, dismantle criminal networks, and restore lasting peace in all operational areas,” he added.
