Troops neutralize four bandits, rescue 20 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized a total of four bandits during two operations spanning Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas of Kaduna State. 

 The overseeing State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, said the troops also rescued 20 kidnapped persons in Birnin Gwari LGA.

 According to the first report, troops of Operation Forest Sanity embarked on special clearance operations in the general area of Alawa, Birnin Gwari LGA. The troops set up as a blocking force, sighted bandits movement around Kwaga, and after a brief pursuit, neutralized two of them. 

 The following items were recovered: two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles and one Baofeng Radio. 

 In the second report, troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch conducted fighting patrols around Nakwakina village, Giwa LGA.

Following credible intelligence, the troops laid ambush along a likely terrorists' withdrawal route. 

 The terrorists were eventually sighted and engaged, resulting in two neutralized as others escaped with bullet wounds.

 The troops combed the area and recovered two motorcycles, one cutlass and one mobile phone.

 In another mission, troops of Sector 3, Operation Whirl Punch deployed along Kwaga-Polewire Road, Birnin Gwari LGA, responded to a distress call and intercepted bandits who had kidnapped locals near Polewire village. 

 The bandits fled from the scene on sighting the troops, who promptly rescued the 20 kidnapped victims and reunited them with their families.

“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his happiness at each of the reports and thanked the security forces for the feedback. 

The Governor expressed warm commendations to the General Officer Commanding,1 Division Nigerian Army (and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch) Major General MLD Saraso, for the notable breakthroughs and rescues in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa general areas,” the statement read. 

 

"The Governor urged the troops to sustain the momentum against bandits and insurgents in the location, and other areas of interest.

 

"Citizens in these areas are encouraged to report any suspicious persons seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds or similar injuries, to the 1 Division/Operation Whirl Punch Toll-Free Line 08000020204.

 

“Such reports can also be routed to the Security Operations Room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.”