Dare Babalola
The 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has achieved a significant operational breakthrough under Operation IGBO IDANU I, successfully dismantling a key terrorist camp in Kogi State and retrieving arms and ammunition.
This development was contained in a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday.
The Army said the operation dealt a “decisive strategic blow to a notorious terrorist network linked to Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu.”
The Army said the troops advanced “through dense forest, difficult terrain, and multiple riverine obstacles,” displaying “exceptional resilience, professionalism and tactical discipline” despite “severe movement constraints caused by fallen trees and marshy ground.”
The operation was personally led by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi.
According to the statement, troops dismounted and advanced on foot “to achieve tactical surprise and operational dominance,” a manoeuvre that enabled them to “penetrate deep into the terrorist enclave,” resulting in the complete clearance of the camp.
Although the terrorists fled on sighting the advancing troops, the Army said a “thorough exploitation of the objective” led to the recovery of “significant quantities of arms and ammunition.”
Recovered items include eight boxes of 7.62 x 54 link ammunition containing bandoliers of 250 rounds each, and one box of high-velocity grenades.
Recovered ammunition. Photo credit: Army
The statement noted that the recoveries have “significantly degraded” the terrorists’ operational capability and logistics base.
Following the clearance, the camp was “systematically destroyed and set ablaze” to prevent any opportunity of reoccupation.
Troops have since continued aggressive patrols and offensive operations within the general area to exploit the success, disrupt fleeing elements and prevent regrouping.
The Army said the operation sends a “clear and resounding message” that terrorist hideouts will continually be identified and neutralised, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting communities and ensuring lasting peace and security in the region.
