Troops neutralise bandit, recover AK-47 in Kwara ambush

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with ammunition during a strategic ambush in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation was conducted by soldiers from the 22 Armoured Brigade, based at the Forward Operating Base in Patigi, following intelligence reports regarding the movement of armed bandits along the Lema–Daban Lema Road.

Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the operation took place around 12:10 am, saying the troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, causing significant disarray among them. While one suspect was killed, others managed to escape.

“During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle. The body of the neutralised suspect has been handed over to the appropriate authorities,” he stated.

Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, praised the troops for their determination and urged them to maintain the pressure against criminal groups, while reassuring the local residents of the Army’s commitment to intensifying operations aimed at eradicating bandits and other criminal elements in Kwara communities.

It would be recalled that the 22 Armoured Brigade previously neutralised armed bandits and recovered weapons during a recent operation in Babana, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement released on August 28, 2025, Captain Stephen Nwankwo indicated that the troops are consistently placing pressure on criminal elements to achieve significant breakthroughs.

Source: PUNCH