Troops Neutralise Four Bandits, Rescue 20 Kidnapped Victims In Kaduna
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four bandits and rescued 20 kidnapped persons in separate operations across Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The Commissioner said troops of Operation Forest Sanity and Operation Whirl Punch conducted successful missions, resulting in the neutralisation of the bandits and rescue of the kidnapped victims.
Aruwan added that the first operation took place in Alawa, Birnin- Gwari LGA, where troops of Operation Forest Sanity embarked on a special clearance operation.
He said the troops set up a blocking force and sighted bandit movement around Kwaga, pursuing and neutralising two bandits on the spot..
He said recovered items include two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles, and one Baofeng Radio.
Similarly, the Commissioner continued that in the second operation, troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch conducted fighting patrols around Nakwakina village, Giwa LGA, following credible intelligence, laid ambush along a likely terrorists’ withdrawal route, engaging and neutralising two bandits.
The troops, he added, combed the area and recovered two motorcycles, one cutlass, and one mobile phone.
According to him, in another mission, troops of Sector 3, Operation Whirl Punch deployed along Kwaga-Polewire Road, Birnin Gwari LGA, responded to a distress call and intercepted bandits who had kidnapped locals near Polewire village.
“The bandits fled, and the troops rescued the 20 kidnapped victims, reuniting them with their families,” the Commissioner said,
The Commissioner quoted the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to have expressed his delight at the news, praising the security forces for their efforts.
“I am thrilled to receive the news of the successful operations by our security forces.
“The neutralisation of four bandits and rescue of 20 kidnapped persons is a testament to the dedication and bravery of our troops,” he said.
The Governor commended the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army (and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch), Major-Gen. MLD Saraso, for the notable breakthroughs and rescues in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa general areas.
“I urge our troops to sustain the momentum against bandits and insurgents in these locations and other areas of interest,” Sani added.
“The Kaduna State Government urged citizens to report any suspicious persons seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds or similar injuries to the 1 Division/Operation Whirl Punch Toll Free Line 08000020204 or the Security Operations Room on 09034000060 and 08170189999,” the Commissioner added.
