Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, have neutralised an armed bandit during a night operation along the Lema–Daban Lema road in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the Brigade, Capt Stephen Nwankwo, confirmed the operation in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Patigi, launched a fighting patrol in the Gbugbu general area after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits.
“At about 12:10 am, the vigilant troops laid an ambush and made contact with the miscreants. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray,” Nwankwo said.
During a follow-up operation along the withdrawal route, one of the bandits was killed. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle from the scene.
“The remains of the neutralised bandit have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. The Brigade will continue to intensify operations and employ all legitimate means to eradicate criminal elements while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” Nwankwo added.
Kwara State, particularly Patigi and Edu LGAs, has in recent months experienced a rise in bandit activity, prompting increased military and security patrols in the area.
