Troops from the military operation Whirl Punch in Kaduna State have killed Dogo Bangaje, a notorious bandit commander, and three of his lieutenants.
Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, stated that the terrorists were killed over the weekend during military battle patrols in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a press statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, Aruwan stated that the forces carried out the special fighting patrol first in Tumburku Village and subsequently in Sabon Sara, both in the problematic Giwa LGA.
He added that, based following genuine intelligence, the troops spotted bandits fleeing the latter site and pursued them.
According to the commissioner, items confiscated from the robbers included a motorcycle, a mobile phone, petrol lighters, tobacco, different charms, and a polythene bag holding petrol.
The commissioner stated that another leg of the operation was carried out at Basurfe village, southwest of Kindandan.
“The troops fought through an ambush and forced the bandits to flee on motorcycles,” he said, adding that “a vigorous pursuit resulted in two more bandits being neutralised.
The troops further exploited the area and dislodged a camp serving as a treatment area for the insurgents.”
Aruwa stated that goods found at the scene included two AK-47 weapons, one pump-action rifle, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, one improvised explosive device, two radios, and a motorbike, as well as cigarettes, drugs, and medical supplies.
“The reports revealed that one of the bandits neutralised in the operations was notorious bandit leader Dogo Bangaje, who was eliminated alongside a close associate yet to be identified,” he added.
Senator Uba Sani, the state governor, was described by the commissioner as applauding the courage of the troops led by GOC 1 Division and Commander of Operation Whirl Punch, Maj. Gen. MLD Saraso.
The governor asked security forces to maintain momentum in removing criminal groups from the area.
The commissioner said, “Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons seeking medical attention in the general area to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, via the lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.”
