Guards Brigade, Whirl Stroke neutralise two bandits, rescue 30 kidnap victims

The troops of 177 Guards Battalion situated in Nasarawa State, in conjunction with Operation Whirl Stroke, have neutralised two bandits in Toto Local Council of the state. They also rescued 30 kidnap victims.

Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Godfrey Anebi Abakpa, who made the disclosure in a statement, yesterday, noted that as part of its responsibilities to ensure adequate security, stamp out kidnappers and protect the lives and property of citizens in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states, the troops conducted offensive operations based on credible actionable intelligence on bandits /kidnappers’ enclaves in the general area of Idu, Chikara, along the boundaries of Toto Local Council of Nasarawa State, Abaji in the FCT and Koton Karfe in Kogi State.

“During the Joint Operations, the gallant troops, with superior fire power subdued the bandits and neutralised two of them while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The troops also rescued 30 civilians, who were held captive by the bandits. A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, who sustained a minor injury, is currently stable and receiving proper medical care at the hospital.

“The troops also recovered 1x rapid propelled grenade tube from the criminals and several military uniforms. The rescued civilians have since been profiled by the Nigeria Police Division in Toto Local Council while the state government has facilitated their safe reunion with their communities and families respectively.

“As the operations continue, troops of the Brigade under command remains resolute and will continue to synergise with security agencies to rid the FCT and its environs of all criminal elements. The Brigade remains alert at all times to keep the Federal Capital and its environs safe.”