In a major breakthrough against rising insecurity, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have dismantled a notorious kidnappers’ hideout on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State.
In a statement issued Sunday by the Nigerian Army, the operation—conducted on Saturday, June 21, 2025—was the result of credible intelligence that enabled troops to launch a precision raid on the criminal enclave.
Despite encountering mild resistance, the troops quickly overpowered the suspected kidnappers using superior firepower, resulting in the rescue of two abducted victims—Mr. Amos Moses and Mr. Philip Michael.
A total of eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while one individual, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, sustained gunshot injuries in the crossfire. He was immediately evacuated to Bachita Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Further searches of the scene led to the recovery of two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells, which are believed to have been used by the suspects during previous criminal operations.
“All arrested individuals are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution,” the Army stated.
The operation was part of the military’s broader strategy to flush out criminal elements and restore peace and public safety in Kwara State and beyond.
The Nigerian Army urged citizens to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence, emphasizing the collective responsibility of safeguarding communities.
“This mission highlights the Army’s unwavering commitment to protect lives and property, and to dismantle all forms of criminal networks across the country,” the statement concluded.
The successful raid has been widely praised by community leaders and security analysts, who say it reflects the growing effectiveness of localized tactical operations in curbing banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
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