The Nigerian Army said its troops from 5 Battalion have neutralised a criminal gang responsible for the murder of four soldiers in Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State in 2023.
The Army said the gang was also behind the abduction of two Korean expatriates working for an oil serving company after sniffing life out of the soldiers providing security for them in the same location.
The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations Relations, Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Danjuma said the feat was achieved following a raid on the gang’s hideout after a credible intelligence.
The statement reads, “In a carefully planned and orchestrated operation, troops of 5 Battalion, Nigerian Army projected force into the hideout of a criminal gang at Kalaogbokolo in the Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“The gang was responsible for the killing of four soldiers and the abduction of two Korean expatriates, who were staff of Daewoo company on 12 December 2023 at Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“The operation was conducted, following credible intelligence on the return of the wanted criminals to the community.
“Troops conducted a cordon and search operation, which led to the recovery of several arms and ammunition. These include, one AK 47 rifle, one Fabrique Nationale rifle and one Pump action gun.
“Other recoveries include two locally made rifles, three Ak 47 magazines, one FN magazine as well three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) amongst others.”
The statement added, “Additionally, two members of the criminal gang were apprehended during the operations.
“While exploiting the area for further discoveries, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush and were neutralised after a long pursuit.
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army restates that no matter how long it takes, criminals who are involved in such a dastardly act will pay a heavy price for their actions.
“The general public is reassured 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, “ it added.
