By Bamidele Aremu
The 22 Armoured Brigade on Wednesday, neutralized bandits in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition in the process.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi LG ambushed armed bandits along the Lema-Daban Lema road in the early hours of the day. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the troops overpowered the bandits, forcing them to flee.
During follow-up operations, one bandit was neutralized. Items recovered include an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle.
Weapon and ammunition recovered
A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, in Ilorin read in part, “troops of 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on fighting patrol within Gbugbu general area have continued to sustain pressure on criminal elements, recording a major success in the early hours of Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
“At about 12:10 a.m, the vigilant troops following a credible human intelligence on movement of armed bandits along Lema – Daban Lema road in Edu LGA of Kwara State, conducted Ambush and subsequently made contact with the miscreants from the ambush site.
“In the exchange of fire that ensued, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
“During a subsequent exploitation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised one bandit. Items recovered from the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.”
Captain Stephen, disclosed that the remains of the neutralised bandits have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their resilience and vigilance, urging them to sustain the momentum in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
