The Kaduna State Government has said that the troops of Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised four bandits, including a notorious kingpin, during fighting patrols in Giwa local government area of the State at the weekend.
Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Monday, said according to the operational feedback, the troops conducted the special fighting patrol first to Tumburku village, and then projected the same to Sabon Sara, both in Giwa LGA.
The statement explained that acting on credible intelligence, the troops sighted bandits fleeing the latter location, and engaged the criminals in hot pursuit.
The troops neutralised two of the bandits, and recovered a range of items, which included 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 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 neutralized. The troops further exploited the area and dislodged a camp serving as a treatment area for the insurgents.
“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 neutrali#ed in the operations was a notorious bandit leader Dogo Bangaje, who was eliminated alongside a close associate yet to be identified.
Reacting to the development, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, praised the troops under the leadership of GOC 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj. Gen. MLD Saraso, for their efforts and congratulated them on the remarkable breakthrough.
Aruwan said the governor urged the security forces to sustain the momentum towards flushing out criminal elements from the area.
The statement also urged citizens to report suspicious persons seeking medical attention in the general area to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, via the phone lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.