This was communicated in operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government.
Troops and Special Forces under the auspices of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) conducting special fighting patrols in the Kachia-Kajuru axis have neutralised five bandits in the Dantarau general area of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This was communicated in operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government.
According to the report, the troops embarked on operations to clear the Maro-Enugu axis spanning Kachia and Kajuru LGAs.
It also noted that at Dantarau community, the troops made contact with bandits and after a sharp exchange, five of the criminals were neutralised.
The troops also reportedly 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 the Sabon Birnin Daji general area of Igabi LGA, the report said.
A statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State on Sunday, read, “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: -0903400006 and 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,” it added.