The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops have overrun a terrorist camp in a forest in Kogi State, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during the operation. In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, the army said the raid was concluded under 'Operation IGBO IDANU I', targeting criminal elements operating within the state. According to the statement, the operation delivered “a decisive strategic blow to a notorious terrorist network linked to Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu in Kogi State”.
The army said its troops advanced through challenging conditions to execute the mission. “Advancing through dense forest, difficult terrain, and multiple riverine obstacles, the troops displayed exceptional resilience, professionalism and tactical discipline,” the statement reads.
It added that despite severe movement constraints caused by fallen trees and marshy ground, the soldiers remained resolute. “Despite severe movement constraints caused by fallen trees and marshy ground, the force pressed forward with determination, highlighting the unflinching resolve of the Nigerian Army to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore lasting security in the area.”
The troops, led by Commander Kasim Umar Sidi, reportedly penetrated the forest on foot in order to “achieve tactical surprise and operational dominance”.
Although the suspects fled upon sighting the advancing troops, the army said a subsequent sweep of the camp yielded significant recoveries. “Although the terrorists fled on sighting the advancing troops, a thorough exploitation of the objective led to the recovery of significant quantities of arms and ammunition, including eight boxes of 7.62 x 54 link ammunition containing bandoliers of 250 rounds each and one box of high-velocity grenades. These recoveries have significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capability and logistics base,” the statement added.
The army further disclosed that the camp was “destroyed” and “set ablaze” to deny the “criminals any opportunity of reoccupation”, while troops have continued patrols in the area to prevent regrouping.
Reaffirming its commitment to security, the army said, “This operation sends a clear and resounding message to terrorist elements that their hideouts will continually be identified and neutralised, reaffirming the firm commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding lives, protecting communities and ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.”
The development comes days after the Kogi State Government temporarily closed markets and motor parks in the Kogi West senatorial district to support ongoing security operations. The directive, announced on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, is aimed at complementing intensified clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and security chiefs in the state.