Soldiers kill bandit, recover AK-47 in Kwara ambush

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition during an ambush in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation was carried out by soldiers of the 22 Armoured Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Patigi, following intelligence on the movement of armed bandits along the Lema–Daban Lema Road.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, who confirmed the development in a statement released on Thursday, said the ambush occurred around 12:10 am.

According to him, the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel, forcing them into disarray. One of the suspects was killed in a follow-up operation, while others escaped.

He said, “During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a motorcycle. The body of the neutralised suspect has been handed over to the appropriate authorities.”

The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the pressure against criminal groups.

He assured residents of the Army’s commitment to intensifying operations to rid Kwara communities of bandits and other criminal elements.

PUNCH Online had reported that Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade have neutralised armed bandits and recovered weapons during an operation in Babana, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to a statement signed by Captain Stephen Nwakwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, and made available to the press on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the troops sustained pressure on criminal elements, achieving a significant breakthrough in the early hours of the day.

Source: Punch