In continuation of the ongoing clearance operation to rid the North West of Nigeria of terrorism and banditry activities, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised several bandits and rescued scores of victims  in Kaduna, Niger and Kano states.

In a statement, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahyah, said the troops carried out series of operations against all criminal elements in the division’s area of responsibility.

Yahyah stated that during these operations, troops neutralised several bandits, rescued many captives and cleared/destroyed countless bandits’ hideouts and motorcycles.

According to the Army spokesman, on July 11, 2023, troops successfully cleared bandits’ location at Sabon Birni, Maidaro, Dogon Dawa, Damari and Saulawa villages, all in Birnin Gwari Local Council of Kaduna State.

He added: “During the operation, troops neutralised two bandits and destroyed two motorcycles.

“Similarly, troops of the Division in Kano State raided bandits’ hideout in Dogon Ruwa and Mayan Ruwa in Falgore forest, arresting four bandits. On the same day at Fatika in Kaduna State, troops had intense fire fight with the bandits/cattle rustlers, recovering 72 cows, 29 sheep and a motorcycle.

“On July 15, 2023, during clearance operation at Kuriga and Manini villages in Birnin Gwari Local Council of Kaduna State, troops came in contact with bandits, taking abducted commuters to the bushes so as to negotiate ransom. Troops, therefore, engaged the criminal elements, overpowered them, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives to abscond into the tick forest in disarray with gunshot wounds.

“As a result, troops successfully rescued 19 abductees, who were escorted to their destination at Udawa to reunite with their family members.

“Again, on July 17, 2023, acting on credible intelligence, troops embarked on a fighting patrol to a bandits’ hideout in Doka, Chikun Local Council of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops recovered seven dane guns, four cutlasses and four leg chains. Troops destroyed the camp and proceeded to clear Maguzawa, Parker and Akote villages all in Chikun and Igabi local councils of Kaduna State.

“On August 1, 2023, at Sabon Gida and Sarkin Pawa General area of Niger State, during a clearance operation, troops had fierce exchange of fire with bandits, forcing the criminals to run in disarray. During the encounter, one bandit was neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds as evidence in the blood stain on grasses and bush footpaths.”

The statement noted that General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj. Gen. BA Alabi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and professional disposition of the troops throughout the clearance operation while also commending the officers’ commitment.

He also appealed to all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses and avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.