* Rescue 20 kidnapped persons
From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Troops have neutralized a total of four bandits during two operations in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas of Kaduna State.
This was according to a statement by
Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan made available to the media in Kaduna today (Tuesday) September 17.
The statement said that troops of Operation Forest Sanity had embarked on special clearance operations in the general area of Alawa, Birnin Gwari LGA.
“The troops – set up as a blocking force – sighted bandits’ movement around Kwaga and, after a brief pursuit, neutralized two of them.
“The following items were recovered: Two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles, and one Baofeng Radio.”
The statement added that troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch also conducted fighting patrols around Nakwakina village, Giwa LGA. Following credible intelligence, the troops were said to have laid ambush along a likely terrorists’ withdrawal route.
“The terrorists were eventually sighted and engaged, resulting in two neutralized as others escaped with bullet wounds. The troops combed the area and recovered two motorcycles, one cutlass, and one mobile phone.
“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 from the scene on sighting the troops, who promptly rescued the 20 kidnapped victims and reunited them with their families.
“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his happiness at each of the reports and thanked the security forces for the feedback.
“The Governor expressed warm commendations to the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army (and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch) Major General MLD Saraso, for the notable breakthroughs and rescues in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa general areas. ”
“The Governor urged the troops to sustain the momentum against bandits and insurgents in the location, and other areas of interest.
“Citizens in these areas are encouraged 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.
“Such reports can also be routed to the Security Operations Room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” the statement said.
