Troops under the Special Forces of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) have killed five terrorists in Kaduna State and recovered arms and ammunition during an engagement with bandits.
The troops were conducting special fighting patrols in the Kachia-Kajuru axis when they neutralized the five bandits in the Dantarau general area of Kajuru Local Government Area.
The overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Sunday, said the incident was communicated in an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government.
Aruwan said, “The troops embarked on operations to clear the Maro-Enugu axis spanning Kachia and Kajuru Local Government,” when they engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
He said, “At Dantarau community, the troops made contact with bandits and after a sharp exchange, five of the criminals were neutralized.”
“The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated sub-machine gun, nine AK-47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and two handheld radio sets.”
Aruwan further added, “Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully hit bandits’ camps in the Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi Local Government Area.”
He explained that “credible human intelligence sources confirmed the successful operation resulting in several bandits being taken out during the mission. Some of the bandits sustained injuries and are reported to be lurking around the general area in need of medical support.”
Aruwan said: “Locals in the general area are warned to desist from providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies.”
“Consequently, citizens are advised to report to the 24 Operations Room on the numbers: 09034000060, 08170189999.”
While receiving the feedback on the security report, the statement further explained that “the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed elation at the breakthrough and lauded the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso – for their determined efforts.”
He said, “The Governor further extended commendation to the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshall NN Ananaba and his team, for their outstanding contribution to the security of the state.”
Aruwan added that “the Governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations.”
