From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Security forces have reported to the Kaduna State Government that troops of Operation Whirl Punch have neutralized four bandits, including one notorious bandit leader during fighting patrols in Giwa LGA at the weekend.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, which was made available to journalists in Kaduna today.
According to the operational feedback, the troops conducted the special fighting patrol first to Tumburku village and then proceeded to Sabon Sara, both in Giwa LGA.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops were said to have sighted bandits fleeing the location and engaged the criminals in hot pursuit.
The troops neutralized two of the bandits and recovered a range of items including a motorcycle, a mobile phone, gas lighters, tobacco, assorted charms, and a polythene bag containing petrol, the statement said.
Another leg of the operation was said to have been conducted at Basurfe village, Southwest of Kindandan.
“The troops fought through an ambush and forced the bandits to flee on motorcycles. A vigorous pursuit resulted in two more bandits being neutralized. The troops further exploited the area and dislodged a camp serving as a treatment area for the insurgents,” the statement said.
Recoveries made at the location included two AK47 rifles, one pump action rifle, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), two radios, and one motorcycle, as well as cigarettes, drugs, and medical accessories.
The reports revealed that one of the bandits neutralized in the operations was a notorious bandit leader Dogo Bangaje, who was eliminated alongside a close associate yet to be identified.
Receiving the report, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani praised the troops under the leadership of GOC 1 Division and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Major General MLD Saraso, for their efforts and congratulated them on the remarkable breakthrough.
The Governor urged the security forces to sustain the momentum towards flushing out criminal elements from the area.
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.
