By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army conducting Operation “IGBO IDANU” have captured a notorious terrorists’ camp in Kogi forest, recovering eight boxes of linked ammunition and a cache of high-velocity grenades after a difficult advance through rugged terrain.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the operation was conducted by a combined combat team on Feb. 10 from a harbour location at Batijjo’s Camp, advancing towards another camp linked to another terror kingpins operating in the axis.

The sources said the troops encountered thick forest, felled trees and multiple natural obstacles that slowed movement, forcing soldiers to cut through impediments with chain saws while maintaining tactical formation.

According to him, the advancing troops also crossed three riverine obstacles during the operation.

“However, the last riverline near the notorious bandits’ enclave reportedly linked to Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu proved impassable due to its marshy, sand-and-clay composition.

“Undeterred, the troops dismounted and advanced about 1.5km on foot to the objective, led by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. KU Sidi.

“On arrival, the camp was captured but found deserted, suggesting the criminals fled ahead of the troops’ approach.

“A thorough search of the location led to the recovery of eight boxes of 7.62 x 54mm linked ammunition, each containing 250-round bandoliers, as well as one box of high-velocity grenades.

“The troops subsequently set the camp ablaze to deny its future use as a logistics and staging base for criminal elements before tactically withdrawing to their harbour position,” he said.

The source said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as clearance operations continue in the area. (NAN)