No fewer than five bandits have been killed by the troops of Operation Whirl Punch in the Dantarau general area of the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It was learnt that the troops had taken a fighting patrol to the Kachia-Kajuru general area when they clashed with the bloodthirsty bandits.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Aruwan also said scores of bandits that engaged the troops in a gun duel sustained fatal injuries.
He, however, warned locals against providing medical support to questionable individuals without making recourse to the nearest security agencies.
The commissioner added that the troops 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.
He added that the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully bombed bandits camps in the Sabon Birnin Daji general area of the Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
Aruwan said, “According to the report, the troops embarked on operations to clear the Maro-Enugu axis 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 the Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi LGA.
“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.
“Locals in the general area are warned to desist from providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies.”
Meanwhile, the commissioner quoted Governor Uba Sani as praising the gallantry of the troops under the command of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. MLD Saraso, on receiving the reports.
Aruwan 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.
“The Governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations.”
