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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition and other logistics during an intelligence-led operation.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and issued to journalists in Makurdi on Monday.
Gara said that on October 2, 2026, troops of Sector 3 received actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating from Edimogbo Forest in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Acting on the intelligence, he said, the troops swiftly mobilised towards the suspected hideout to disrupt the activities of the criminals.
“However, as the troops approached the location, the suspected kidnappers sighted them and opened fire in an attempt to alert other criminal elements operating in the area.
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“The troops pursued the fleeing suspects into the forest and advanced towards their hideout but made no further contact.
“The troops subsequently destroyed the suspected kidnappers’ camp, denying the criminals a base from which to launch further attacks,” he said.
During exploitation and mop-up operations, the troops recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven ammunition belts, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile telephone, a Glo modem, two packets of soap, a jerrycan of petrol, shoes, clothing and six Daylong motorcycles.
The force commander commended the troops for the successful operation and for denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat criminality and restore lasting peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
