Scores of bandits troubling the north-western region and parts of Niger state have been feared killed in another coordinated attack by the military in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.
Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 21, 2024.
He said: “The coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized several bandits including some of their leaders at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA.
“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.
“The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area. Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.
“Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.
“Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas – an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi – were confirmed to have been neutralized by the strike.”
The security commissioner said Governor Uba Sani while receiving the report, expressed satisfaction and warmly commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.
“The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike,” he said.
In a related development, the Nigerian Army says troops deployed in the North-East have neutralised terrorists, rescued hostages, recovered arms and assorted items.
The army in a statement on Friday said the troops achieved the feat in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations in collaboration with Vigilante and Hybrid Forces.
“In Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, troops executed an ambush operation targeting terrorists’ staging areas around Pulka and Ashagashiya.
“During the operations, troops made contact with the terrorists, neutralizing one, while others fled in disarray, abandoning their belongings. The troops successfully rescued seven women and nine children from the clutches of the terrorists.
“The troops also recovered one submachine gun (SMG), three bicycles, four blankets, cooking utensils, and several other items.
“Similarly, troops conducted an ambush operation in the Komala general area of Borno State. The operations resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with two magazines containing 29 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and 91 belted links of PKT ammunition.
“Additional items recovered include one SMG, two AK-47 rifles, one SMG magazine, nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and one motorbike.
“In a separate operation in Benue State, troops in response to intelligence reports about terrorists’ movements in Ayati Village, Ukum LGA, launched a swift operation to counteract the nefarious activities of the terrorists.
“The terrorists, upon sighting the troops, fled, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, one Dane gun, two 83 mm launchers, four locally made launchers, and one rifle magazine. The troops also seized 19 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and five rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition and other assorted arms.
“In another successful operation in Kogi State, troops responded to information regarding a planned ransom payment to kidnappers. Coordinating with vigilantes and local hunters, the troops engaged the kidnappers at the planned exchange point in Okunran Okoloke General Area.
“During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralized, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 15 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and one motorcycle were recovered,” the army statement read.
It added that “the modest but significant operational successes are indicative of troops’ resilience and dedication in ensuring that they mitigate security challenges across the country.”