Troops, local vigilantes kill 70 bandits, arrest logistics suppliers in Kaduna 

Troops of Operation Accord and local vigilantes neutralised 70 bandits and arrested two in Kachia forest and Kankomi village in Kaduna State, respectively.

Coordinator, Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, in a statement, yesterday, said the troops in a combined ground and air offensive on June 5, 2020, conducted a clearance patrol to Kachia Forest and neutralised some armed bandits and cattle rustlers. 

Enenche said the operation was followed by timely and credible information on the bandits’ movement within the area. 

According to him, the troops pursued the bandits through Gidan Maikeri Village in Chikun Local Council into the forest.

“Their location was identified and consequently engaged by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships. 

“After the air interdiction, 70 bandits were confirmed killed by human intelligence, while others escaped with injuries. The troops are exploring the forest. Details to follow as they unfold.”

To ensure that the escapees are mopped up, the Defence spokesman urged residents to report anyone with sudden and suspicious injuries to security forces. 

In a separate development, Enenche said at the outskirts of Kankomi village, two bandits’ logistics suppliers were apprehended, with recharge cards, cigarettes, soft drinks and groceries recovered.  

He urged the general public to continue to provide timely and credible information that would assist in eliminating bandits and other criminal elements.