Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) have neutralised one armed bandit on the Lema-Daban Lema road in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwanko, confirmed the operation and disclosed that the soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.

According to the statement, the troops acted on credible human intelligence regarding the movement of armed bandits along the route and promptly set up an ambush.

"The soldiers made contact with the miscreants from the ambush site," Nwanko said.

He added that in the ensuing exchange of fire, the troops' superior firepower overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to restore security and protect communities in Kwara's troubled northwestern axis.

It explains that during a subsequent exploitation along the bandits' withdrawal route, the troops neutralised one bandit and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.

It says the remains of the neutralised bandit has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The statement reaffirmed the Brigade's determination to intensify operations and employ all legitimate means to eradicate criminal elements while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens within its joint operations area.