Troops in Kaduna State have neutralised eight bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Council.They also recovered arms and ammunition following a gun battle. In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, said: “In line with operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops commenced a fighting patrol to the Kampanin Doka general area, and on arrival at the location, made contact with bandits. The troops promptly engaged and neutralised seven of the bandits.

“On securing and searching the area, three AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines (four empty and four loaded with 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition), one magazine carrier, six motorcycles, three mobile phones, two Baofeng radio sets and three pairs of civilian clothes were recovered by troops.

“During the concluding leg of the patrol, further contact was made with bandits around Gayam general area. The troops neutralised one, as others were suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, thanked the security forces for the feedback and commended the troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) Major General MLD Saraso for their valiant efforts and notable breakthrough.”

Aruwan added: “Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons seeking treatment for gunshot injuries to the Security Operations Room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999. Fighting patrols will continue within the general area and other locations of interest.”