On Saturday, troops from the 22nd Armoured Brigade based in Patigi launched a precise raid on a forest hideout near Latandaji Village, Patigi LGA, Kwara State. Intelligence led to the successful arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two abducted victims, Amos Moses and Philip Michael
The detainees were allegedly part of a wider kidnapping syndicate that had terrorized rural communities in Kwara State for months. During the operation, one suspect Mohammed Mohammed was wounded in a brief gunfight and immediately rushed to Bachita Teaching Hospital .
Recovered items at the site included two motorcycles and spent cartridges a footprint of the suspects’ mobility and readiness for further crimes. Military spokesmen say the suspects are now in custody undergoing interrogation before being handed over to law enforcement for prosecution.
The rescue has been hailed by community leaders, with calls for sustained intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies. Lt. Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army PR for the brigade, praised local involvement: “Your actionable intel helped dismantle this criminal network”.
Authorities warn that more operations are underway to dismantle kidnap syndicates threatening rural livelihoods. Meanwhile, ongoing military patrols are being intensified to deter copycat plots in nearby settlements.
