Troops kill 5 bandits in Kaduna

Troops conducting special patrols in the Kachia-Kajuru axis under Operation Whirl Punch have neutralized five bandits in the Dantarau general area of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The troops launched a proactive combat operation, conducting a fighting patrol in the Kachia-Kajuru area, where they engaged and neutralized the ruthless bandits.

On Sunday, Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, made a statement announcing that troops had killed five bandits and recovered weapons in the Kajuru Local Government Area.

He also said scores of bandits that engaged the troops in a gun duel sustained fatal injuries while warning locals against providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies.

He specifically said 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, were recovered by the troops.

The commissioner also revealed that the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully hit bandits’ camps in the Sabon Birnin Daji General Area of Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

He said, “According to the report, the troops embarked on operations to clear the Maro-Enugu area spanning Kachia and Kajuru LGAs.

“At the Dantarau community, the troops made contact with bandits and after a sharp exchange, five of the criminals were neutralised.

“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.

“Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully hit bandits camps in Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi LGA.

“Credible human intelligence sources confirmed the successful operation resulting in several bandits 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.

“Locals in the general area are warned to desist from providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies.

The Governor has commended the bravery and gallantry of the troops under the command of Major General MLD Saraso, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, according to Commissioner Samuel Aruwan.

He said the governor further extended commendation to the “Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshall, NN Ananaba and his team, for the outstanding contribution to the security of the state.

“The governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations.”