Troops kill 11 ‘bandits’, recover weapons in Kaduna

The Kaduna state government says troops and special forces of the Nigerian Army have killed 11 suspected bandits in Birnin Gwari LGA of the state.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, announced the development in a statement on Sunday.

Aruwan said the bandits were killed after a fierce battle with the troops.

He said after the encounter, the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, and 57 rounds of ammunition, adding that six motorcycles belonging to the bandits were destroyed.

“Troops and Special Forces of the Nigerian Army have neutralized 11 bandits in a fierce battle which took place during fighting patrols in Birnin Gwari LGA,” the statement reads.

“Operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government revealed that the troops advanced to several identified locations, and cleared bandit camps in Bagoma, Rema, Bugai, Dagara, Sabon Layi, Gagumi, Kakangi, Katakaki and Randagi.

“In the course of these operations, the forces made contact with bandits at Kakangi and Katakaki. A fierce gun battle followed, after which the criminals were subdued by the troops’ aggressive firepower. Eleven bandits were confirmed neutralized, as others fled.

“Receiving the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his satisfaction at the emphatic outing by the security forces, and praised the leadership of the Major General TA Lagbaja, GOC One Division and Force Commander of the Operation Whirl Punch.

“The Governor lauded the troops for their consistent and spirited efforts, as he urged them to build on the momentum of this notable success.”