Troops from Operation Whirl Punch killed five bandits in the Dantarau general area of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
The troops were on a battle patrol in the Kachia-Kajuru area when they came across the vicious bandits. Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.
He further stated that scores of bandits who engaged the military in a gunfight were killed, warning people not to provide medical assistance to suspicious individuals without first contacting the nearest security forces.
He stated that the troops discovered two AK-47 rifles, one locally made sub-machine gun, nine AK-47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and two portable radio sets.
The commissioner also reported that the air component of Operation Whirl Punch had successfully targeted bandit camps in the Sabon Birnin Daji general area of the state’s Igabi Local Government Area.
He 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 bandit 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 reported the state governor, Uba Sani, as praising the heroism of the troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. MLD Saraso, upon hearing the reports.
He added that the governor commended 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.”
