Nigerian Army Takes Down Bandits' Camp in Kogi, Rescues Two Victims

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have taken control of a bandits' camp in Kogi and rescued two people who had been kidnapped.

This operation was based on intelligence about injured bandits linked to crime leaders. A military report shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed this on Saturday.

The report noted that the bandits were active around the Niger-Kwara-Kogi area before the military strike. Troops, with support from a police helicopter, caught fleeing bandits who were trying to escape towards the Niger and Kwara borders.

The report mentioned that troops destroyed a camp owned by a bandit leader named Kachallah Babangida. The operation also cleared out 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.

After this, the military conducted cordon-and-search operations in the Owara community. They also moved toward Aleke village, suspected to be a hideout for the fleeing bandits.

"Four motorcycles abandoned by the criminals were recovered, while one suspected bandit was arrested," it added. The suspect was identified as Ado Ibrahim, according to the operational report.

Military officials said they destroyed abandoned farm settlements used by bandits around Aleke. The report also mentioned that two kidnap victims escaped during an air operation against a bandit camp.

The victims were identified as Yahuza Sani and Tanimola Temidayo. They reportedly met with troops at a patrol base in Obajana.

After their rescue, the victims were taken for medical treatment. The military stated that operations would keep going to maintain pressure on criminal groups.

They also mentioned that troops would continue working to restore security in affected communities.