Kwara Victory: Troops Smash Kidnap Den, Rescue Two Hostages, Nab Eight Suspects!
In a significant win against the escalating scourge of kidnapping, troops of the Nigerian Army's 22 Armoured Brigade, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have successfully raided a notorious kidnappers' hideout in Kwara State. The decisive operation, conducted on Saturday, June 21, 2025, resulted in the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the apprehension of eight suspected kidnappers.
The Operation Details:
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a tactical operation targeting an enclave located on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area. According to a statement released on Sunday by Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Brigade, the troops encountered some resistance during the engagement but quickly overpowered the criminals with superior firepower.
Victims Rescued, Suspects Apprehended:
The successful raid led to the rescue of two kidnap victims, identified as Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael. In addition, the troops arrested eight suspected kidnappers who were part of the criminal network operating in the area.
During the exchange of fire, one individual, identified as Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot wounds and was promptly evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Recovered Items and Next Steps:
Further exploitation of the area by the troops led to the recovery of two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells, believed to have been used by the suspects in their criminal activities.
All arrested individuals are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary investigations. Following these investigations, they will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution in line with the law.
Army's Commitment and Public Call:
Lieutenant Nwankwo emphasized that this operation underscores the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies, stressing that such collaboration is crucial in the collective effort to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace in all regions.
This successful operation in Kwara State sends a strong message to criminal elements that security forces are resolute in their mission to combat banditry and kidnapping, offering a glimmer of hope to communities plagued by these insecurities.
