The Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, have neutralised five bandits and recovered 10 motorcycles in Kaduna State.
The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt-Col Musa Yahaya confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.
Yahaya said the operation was conducted to create conducive environment for peaceful and successful general elections and deny bandits freedom of action in 1 Division Area of Responsibility.
“The highly motivated troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dealt heavy blow on bandits and other criminal elements in Kaduna state.
“In the very aggressive fighting patrol that lasted over 48 hours, the troops successfully cleared Mando-Sabon Birni-Maidaro-Dogon Dawa, Galadimawa, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa and Polewire villages in Birnin Gawri and Chikun Local Government Areas in the state.
Some of the motorcycles recoverd by the troops.
“During the patrol, troops neutralised five bandits and recovered 10 motorcycles from the bandits while several other motorcycles were burnt and destroyed.
“Other items recovered by the troops included two AK-47 rifles, five Improvised Explosive Devices, two mobile phones, bandits uniforms and magazines.”
Yahaya said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the troops during the operation and commended them for their gallantry and resilience.
“The GOC charged the troops not to relent until banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and all other crimes are brought to an end,” Yahaya said.