From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Troops of 5 Battalion, Nigerian Army have killed suspected killers of four soldiers in Ahoada West, Rivers State.
Army said the troops projected force into the hideout of a criminal gang at Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state, in a carefully planned and orchestrated operations and neutralized members of the gang.
The gang was responsible for killing of four soldiers and the abduction of two Korean expatriates, who were staff of Daewoo company on December 12, 2023, at Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada West LGA.
The operations were conducted, following credible intelligence on the return of the wanted criminals to the community.
Acting Deputy Director , 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who confirmed the incident, said the troops conducted cordon and search operations, which led to the recovery of several arms and ammunition.
The items recovered included, one AK 47 rifle, one Fabrique Nationale rifle and one Pump action gun.
Other recoveries were two locally made rifles, three Ak 47 magazines, one FN magazine as well a three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) among others.
Additionally, two members of the criminal gang were apprehended during the operations.
Danjuma said while troops were exploiting the area for further discoveries, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush and were gunned down after a long pursuit.
“The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, wishes to restate that no matter how long it takes, criminals who are involved in such dastardly act will pay a heavy price for their actions.
The Nigerian Army reassured members of the public of the Division’s commitment to safeguard lives and property.
“Members of the public are, please, enjoined to continue to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of such criminal gangs to the security agencies.”