From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Troops of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have successfully neutralized six insurgents and arrested three suspects during special operations in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, Thursday.
The statement said that the troops, in response to credible intelligence of terrorist activities in the general area, had conducted a special fighting patrol to the Galadimawa general area in Giwa LGA.
The wanted insurgents were sighted at the Market Square of Galadimawa, which led to a swift exchange of fire resulting in six insurgents being neutralized by the troops.
A further search of the market area by the troops led to the arrest of three suspected collaborators and informants believed to have been offering logistic assistance to the criminal elements and the recovery of two motorcycles and four mobile phones.
Receiving the report, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, congratulated the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Major General MLD Saraso – for the breakthrough.
He also urged the security forces to pursue a thorough investigation towards dislodging more criminal networks as Special operations will continue in the general area and other locations of interest.
He used the medium to appeal to locals in frontline communities to continue to volunteer timely intelligence to the nearest security formations, or the 24-hour Security Operations Room on the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.
Governor Sani warned informants who provide information to terrorists on the movements of security forces and citizens, to desist from these actions, as they are being trailed for diligent prosecution.
