Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest in the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles.

This was disclosed on Monday by Appolonia Anele, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army.

Ms Anele said a substantial cache of ammunition and other items were recovered during an offensive operation.

She stated that the operation followed credible human intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers hibernating in the forest. 

Ms Anele said the suspected kidnappers, on sighting the advancing troops, fired a shot to alert other members of the group before fleeing into the forest.

“The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals deep into the forest, but no contact was made. The troops, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including all supportive structures,” she explained. 

According to her, items recovered from the hideout included 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem and six motorcycles.

Other recovered items included soap, a jerrycan of petrol, clothing and pairs of shoes.

She said troops were still combing the area to track down the fleeing suspects.