In a significant breakthrough against criminal activity in Kwara State, troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Patigi, successfully apprehended eight individuals suspected of kidnapping and rescued two victims during a strategic operation on Saturday.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, who serves as the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Brigade, the operation was meticulously planned and executed based on actionable intelligence. “Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched a tactical operation on Saturday, 21 June 2025, targeting a hideout on the outskirts of Latandaji Village, Patigi Local Government Area,” the statement read.
Okay.ng reports that the suspects initially attempted to resist the military’s intervention but were quickly subdued by the superior firepower of the troops. “During the engagement, troops encountered mild resistance but swiftly subdued the criminals with superior firepower,” Lt. Nwankwo stated.
The operation resulted in the safe rescue of two kidnap victims, Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael, and the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers. One person, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and was promptly evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Further searches in the area 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 undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The military has reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to eradicating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace in the region.
