In a bold and decisive counter-kidnapping operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have successfully rescued two kidnap victims and arrested eight suspected kidnappers during a raid on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a bold and decisive counter-kidnapping operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have successfully rescued two kidnap victims and arrested eight suspected kidnappers during a raid on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The raid, which took place on Saturday, June 21, was conducted following credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of a kidnappers’ hideout in the area. According to military authorities, the operation was executed with precision despite mild resistance from the suspects.
“The troops encountered slight resistance but swiftly overpowered the criminals with superior firepower,” said Lieutenant Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 22 Brigade, in a statement issued Sunday.
The operation led to the rescue of two abducted persons — Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael, both of whom were held captive by the criminal group. One other individual, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and has since been evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
A search of the scene uncovered two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells, believed to have been used by the suspects during their criminal operations. The eight arrested suspects are currently in military custody and will be handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
“This operation reflects the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” Lieutenant Nwankwo added. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies. Community cooperation is vital in dismantling criminal networks.”
The successful raid underscores growing efforts by security forces to clamp down on violent crime in the North Central region, especially amid rising concerns over banditry, kidnapping, and rural insecurity.
Residents of Kwara and surrounding states have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as the Nigerian Army intensifies its operations aimed at restoring peace and public safety across the region.