Troops nab 8 kidnap suspects, rescue 2 hostages in Kwara

Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at the Forward Operating Base Patigi, in Kwara, have apprehended eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims.

A statement signed by Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade in Ilorin on Sunday, disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, launched a tactical operation on Saturday, targeting a hideout on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area.

“During the engagement, troops encountered mild resistance, but swiftly subdued the criminals with superior firepower,” he said.

Nwankwo stated that the operation led to the rescue of two kidnap victims, identified as Amos Moses and Philip Michael, while eight suspected kidnappers were arrested.

He, however, noted that one Mohammed Mohammed sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and had been taken to hospital for medical attention.

The brigade spokesman added that further operational exploits in the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells, believed to have been used by the suspects.

“All arrested individuals are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation and will be handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution,” Nwankwo said.

He emphasised that the operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to security forces in order to dismantle criminal networks.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to safeguard communities and restore lasting peace in all regions of deployment,” he said.