*Camp at Kogi, Nasarawa border, it says
By Myke Uzendu, with agency reports
Some respite have come to motorists plying the Abuja/Lokoja highway following a reported deadly blow dealt to kidnappers and criminal elements that have been terrorizing travelers on that axis for sometime.
A statement from the Kogi State Government revealed Sunday night that men of the Nigerian Army from the 177 Battalion and the Army Records, Lokoja with support from local vigilantes, have cleared the ‘Darusalam Camp’, populated by a terror group that has been conducting its heinous operations on the border axis between Kogi and Nasarawa States for over eight years.
‘Darusallam Camp’ which is located near Ittu community, according to the statement, comprises of over 2,000 kidnappers, bandits and Boko Haram elements that have been responsible for most of the kidnappings and criminal activities perpetrated along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
One of the suspects was killed while attempting to escape during the military clearing operations, while several were apprehended.
“The logistics supports of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to the Nigerian Army, helped in no small measure in the success recorded by men of the Army in this latest operation.
“Between previous Saturday and last Wednesday, about 100 persons, mostly women and children, were rescued and taken to Lafia while yesterday at Achara in Tawari Ward of Kogi LGA, about 180 of family members of Darusalam were captured, the statement said.
It recalled that the Governor of Kogi State and Chairman, Security Committee, Northern Governors Forum, during Eid-kabir celebrations, told journalists in Okene that in days ahead, he will lead security operatives into the forest to unleash terrors on criminals operating within the state.
