Troops Raid Kidnapper Hideout in Kwara State: 8 Arrested, 2 Victims Rescued in Patigi Operation

 

In a bold and successful military operation, Nigerian Army troops attached to the 22 Armoured Brigade under the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Patigi, Kwara State, have arrested eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two kidnapped victims following a well-coordinated raid on a notorious hideout believed to be used by criminals for kidnapping activities.

This critical operation took place over the weekend near Latandaji village in Patigi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State. The mission was prompted by credible intelligence reports, which tipped off the soldiers about suspicious activities and movements consistent with criminal operations in the area.

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade, Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, confirmed the military's successful efforts in a press statement released on Sunday in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

“Credible Intelligence Led to the Breakthrough”

According to Lt. Nwankwo, the raid was a result of actionable intelligence that suggested a group of kidnappers had been operating from a remote base near Latandaji village. “Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade under the Forward Operating Base in Patigi acted swiftly on credible intelligence which led to the discovery of the kidnappers’ enclave,” he said.

These kidnappers, according to security sources, had been terrorizing residents in Kwara and neighboring states, creating fear and insecurity among local farming communities, traders, and road users.

This development is part of a wider effort by the Nigerian Army to clamp down on criminal elements across the country, particularly those involved in banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, all of which have been on the rise in Nigeria’s North Central region.

“Suspects Put Up Mild Resistance, But Were Overpowered”

Military insiders revealed that although the kidnappers attempted to resist the soldiers' entry into their hideout, they were quickly subdued by the superior firepower and tactical advantage of the troops.

“There was some mild resistance from the kidnappers, but our troops overpowered them with superior weapons and combat tactics,” a military source said.

One of the suspects, who was later identified as Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot injuries during the brief gunfight. He was later evacuated by the military team for emergency treatment at Bacita Teaching Hospital, where he is reportedly responding to treatment under military watch.

Two Kidnapping Victims Rescued Unharmed

Perhaps the most relieving part of the operation was the successful rescue of two individuals who had earlier been kidnapped. The victims, identified as Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael, were found alive and without physical injuries.

“They were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families,” the Army statement said.

The families of the victims were reportedly overjoyed upon receiving news of the rescue, expressing immense gratitude to the soldiers for their bravery and swift response. It was learned that both victims had been kidnapped for several days before the army stormed the camp where they were being held.

Items Recovered From the Scene

After the confrontation, a follow-up sweep of the area was conducted by the troops to ensure no accomplices were hiding in the vicinity. During the search, several items believed to have been used by the kidnappers during their operations were discovered.

The recovered items include:

• Two motorcycles, which were likely used for quick escapes or transporting victims

• Two expended shotgun cartridge shells, confirming the earlier exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the criminals

These materials are expected to aid investigators in building a stronger case against the suspects and in tracing the broader network behind the criminal gang.

Suspects in Military Custody, Awaiting Handover

All eight suspects, including the injured Mohammed Mohammed, are currently being detained at a secure military facility. The Army confirmed that arrangements are being made to transfer the suspects to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

“A military source noted that the suspects will be handed over to relevant security agencies for full prosecution under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Lt. Nwankwo confirmed.

The Army has emphasized that operations like this are ongoing across several regions in the country as part of its efforts to restore peace and combat the growing insecurity posed by non-state actors, including kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents.

Growing Insecurity in Kwara State and Beyond

This incident highlights the growing insecurity facing various parts of Nigeria, including previously peaceful states like Kwara. Patigi LGA, where this incident occurred, has seen an increase in kidnapping and criminal attacks, largely due to its rural setting and proximity to forested areas used as criminal hideouts.

Security analysts have said that improved cooperation between local communities and security agencies is key to tackling such threats. Community members are being encouraged to report suspicious movements and activities without fear, as the success of intelligence-led operations depends heavily on public support.

Nigerian Army Urges Continued Vigilance and Public Support

The Nigerian Army has once again called on members of the public to remain vigilant and assist security agencies by providing timely information that can help in the arrest of criminals. The Army reassured Nigerians of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

According to Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, “The Nigerian Army will continue to uphold its mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensuring internal security. We urge citizens to partner with us by volunteering actionable intelligence.”

This successful operation is one in a series of military efforts aimed at curbing the menace of kidnapping, which has become a major national challenge. Kidnapping for ransom has increased in recent years, with both high-profile and random victims being abducted across different regions of Nigeria.

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Final Thoughts

The rescue of Amos Moses and Philip Michael by soldiers of the 22 Armoured Brigade is a testament to what well-coordinated military intelligence and swift action can achieve in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria. It sends a strong message to criminals that their days are numbered and that Nigeria’s security forces are capable and ready to act wherever danger threatens the people.

As Nigeria continues to deal with complex security challenges, it is clear that greater cooperation between military forces, police, and civilians will be essential to building safer communities and restoring peace across the country.

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