Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have successfully neutralized six bandits terrorizing the Birnin-Gwari general areas in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made this announcement on Friday in Kaduna.
According to Aruwan, the troops cleared several villages in the troubled Birnin-Gwari area, including Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka.
During these operations, four bandits were killed in Saulawa and two others in Farin Ruwa. The troops recovered various items, including one GPMG, two AK47 rifles, six AK47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, and one motorcycle.
Aruwan stated, “In another victory for the security forces against bandits and terrorists in Kaduna State, troops neutralized a total of six terrorist elements during a strong round of clearance operations in Birnin Gwari LGA.
“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch and 198 Special Forces Battalion conducted special operations in Birnin Gwari LGA, in response to precise intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
“The troops began their mission by successfully clearing hotspots at Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.
“On arriving at Saulawa, contact was made with the bandits, and two of the criminals were swiftly neutralized by the troops during the engagement. One motorcycle and a Baofeng Radio Set were recovered.”
Aruwan added, “The troops made further contact with bandits at Farin Ruwa, where four enemy fighters were neutralized in the ensuing firefight.
“The troops cleared the area and recovered the following items: one GPMG, two AK47 rifles, six AK47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, and one motorcycle.”
The state governor, Uba Sani, congratulated the troops, led by Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch and General Officer Commanding, One Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. MLD Saraso, for another remarkable operation and notable breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the flashpoint location.
According to the commissioner, the governor lauded the victory as a testament to the power of efficient collaboration and coordination embraced by the forces and supported by the government.
“He urged the troops to remain unrelenting in their advance towards the heart of the bandits’ enclaves. Citizens are encouraged to render useful information to the government through Kaduna State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.
