PHOTOS: Troops neutralise six bandits in Kaduna, recover arms

Troops have again neutralised six bandits in a major operation in Kaduna, targeting a stronghold of terrorists.

The Coordinating Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, provided an update on the battle against bandits in the state yesterday (Friday), stating that “in another victory for the security forces against bandits and terrorists in Kaduna State, troops neutralised a total of six terrorist elements during a strong round of clearance operations in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.”

He said, “According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch and 198 Special Forces Battalion conducted special operations in Birnin Gwari LGA, in response to precise intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.”

“The troops began their mission by successfully clearing hotspots at Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.”

Upon arriving at Saulawa, the soldiers “made contact with the bandits, and two of the criminals were swiftly neutralised during the engagement. One motorcycle and a Baofeng radio set were recovered.”

According to Aruwan, “the troops made further contact with bandits at Farin Ruwa, where four enemy fighters were neutralised in the ensuing firefight,” noting that “the troops cleared the area and recovered the following items: one GPMG, two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, twenty-two rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, fifty-one rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, and one motorcycle.”

“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, congratulated the troops—led by Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch and General Officer Commanding, One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso—for another remarkable outing and notable breakthrough in the push against banditry in the flashpoint location.”

Aruwan added that “the Governor lauded the victory as another testament to the power of efficient collaboration and coordination embraced by the forces and supported by the government. He urged the troops to remain unrelenting in their advance towards the heart of the bandits’ enclaves.”

“Citizens are encouraged to render useful information to the government through Kaduna State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he stressed.