TheCable

Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has deployed 302 officers, under “Operation Puff Adder II”, to fight banditry in Kaduna state.

The officers, who arrived on Wednesday, were welcomed by Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, who represented Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna.

Aruwan urged the troops to consolidate on the gains of “Operation Puff Adder 1”, and ensure peace and security in Kaduna.

He commended the police for their good records in the operations along the Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Zaria highways, adding that the state will do its best to support the officers to ensure their success.

The commissioner also appreciated the Nigeria police force for its efforts towards addressing the security situation in Kaduna state.

On his part, Umar Muri, the state commissioner of police, noted that the deployed personnel will ensure that they put an end to banditry and other forms of violent crimes.

Muri noted that the operation will provide a conducive atmosphere for socio-economic activities in the state.

“It is a reality that in recent times, the state and the country at large, has been grappling with all forms of banditry, which include kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling and other related heinous crimes, and same is heightened by the increasing proliferation of illegally-acquired arms and other forms of weapons,” he said.

“The inspector-general of police, in this regard, has instituted a framework which continually exposes our operations to specialised training that is designed to prepare them for the task ahead, being the lead security agency saddled with the responsibility of internal security of the state and the country at large.”

The development comes weeks after el-Rufai received an all-female army corps deployed to combat insecurity in the state.