Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation Igbo Idanu I, have dealt a significant blow to a notorious terrorist network in Kogi State, overrunning and burning down a major terrorist camp linked to commanders Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu.
The operation, personally led by the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, saw troops advance through dense forest, difficult terrain, multiple riverine obstacles, fallen trees, and marshy ground to achieve tactical surprise and operational dominance.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, the troops dismounted and proceeded on foot deep into the terrorist enclave, completely overrunning the camp. Upon sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists fled into the bush, evading capture.
A thorough search of the overrun base yielded significant recoveries, including:
– Eight boxes of 7.62 x 54 link ammunition, each containing bandoliers of 250 rounds
– One box of high-velocity grenades
These seizures are said to have substantially degraded the terrorists’ firepower, logistics, and operational capability in the area.
To prevent reoccupation, the entire terrorist camp and operational base were systematically destroyed and set ablaze.
Troops have since intensified aggressive patrols and sustained offensive operations in the general area to pursue fleeing elements, disrupt any regrouping attempts, and maintain pressure on remaining terrorist networks.
The Army described the operation as a demonstration of exceptional resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring lasting security to communities in the region.
“This operation sends a clear and resounding message to terrorist elements that their hideouts will continually be identified and neutralised,” the statement read.
The success in Kogi comes amid ongoing nationwide deployments of the Nigerian Army to combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats. Security analysts have repeatedly noted that such internal operations continue to stretch military resources and divert focus from the armed forces’ primary constitutional role of defending against external aggression.
The Army has urged continued public support and vigilance as efforts persist to deny terrorists safe havens and ensure communities remain protected.
