Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed six bandits in clearance operations in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna, marking another victory against terrorists in the North-Western state.
According to Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the troops from Sector 4 of Operation Whirl Punch and the 198 Special Forces Battalion carried out the special operations in Birnin Gwari LGA, based on precise intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.
The mission began with the successful clearing of hotspots in Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.
Upon arriving in Saulawa, the troops engaged the bandits in a gun battle, swiftly neutralizing two of them. During the operation, a motorcycle and a Baofeng radio set were recovered from the bandits.
The troops also engaged with bandits at Farin Ruwa, resulting in the neutralization of four criminals during the ensuing firefight.
The area was further cleared by the troops, who recovered several dangerous weapons, including one GPMG, two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, and 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Additionally, they recovered 51 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition and a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, praised the troops led by Major General Marenyiso Saraso, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Punch and General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, for their significant breakthrough in combating banditry in key locations.
The governor lauded this victory as further evidence of the effectiveness of the forces’ efficient collaboration and coordination, supported by the government. He encouraged the troops to persist in their efforts to penetrate deeper into the bandits’ strongholds.