Sept. 4, 2025
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another breakthrough in the fight against banditry, as operatives of the 22 Armoured Brigade neutralised an armed bandit during a successful operation in Edu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, also led to the recovery of weapons and logistics belonging to the criminals.
Capt. Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ilorin. He said the troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Patigi, were on a fighting patrol when they engaged the bandits.
According to Nwankwo, the sustained pressure by the Nigerian Army on criminal elements within the Gbugbu general area yielded results as the troops intercepted the bandits. “At about 12:10 a.m, the vigilant troops, following a credible intelligence on movement of armed bandits along Daban-Lema Road, Edu LGA, conducted ambush and subsequently attacked the miscreants,” he said.
He explained that the encounter led to an exchange of fire, during which the soldiers displayed superior firepower that forced the bandits to retreat. “During exchange of fire, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” Nwankwo added.
The Army spokesperson further revealed that one bandit was neutralised in the operation. “Also, subsequent exploitation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised one bandit,” he said.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine fully loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the criminals. The Army noted that the recovery will further weaken the operational capacity of the criminal gang.
Nwankwo confirmed that the remains of the neutralised bandit had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action in line with operational procedures.
Commending the troops for their gallantry, the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, praised their commitment to protecting the people of Kwara State. “The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, praised the troops’ vigilance, resilience and doggedness,” the statement noted.
He urged them not to relent in their efforts, adding that the Brigade remains committed to stamping out all forms of criminality in Kwara and beyond. “He urged the troops to remain resolute in the fight against criminal elements, reaffirming the brigade’s commitment to intensifying operations and employing all legitimate means to eliminate threats, while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” Nwankwo quoted Barkins as saying. GMTNewsng
