From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Troops and Special Forces under the auspices of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) conducting special fighting patrols in the Kachia-Kajuru axis have neutralized five bandits in the Dantarau general area of Kajuru LGA.
This was contained in a statement by Mr Samuel Ruwan, the overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and made available to the media in Kaduna today, Sunday.
The statement said that 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 neutralized.
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 Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi LGA.
“Credible human intelligence sources confirmed the successful operation resulting in several bandits 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.
‘Consequently, citizens are advised to report to the 24 Operations Room on the numbers: -09034000060
-08170189999
“Receiving the feedback, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed elation at the breakthrough and lauded the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso – for their determined efforts.
“The Governor further extended commendation to the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshall NN Ananaba, and his team, for the outstanding contribution to the security of the state.
“The Governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations,” the statement said.
