Troops ‘kill four bandits, rescue 20 kidnap victims’ in Kaduna

The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed four bandits and rescued 20 hostages in Birnin-Gwari and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna.

In a statement on Tuesday, Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said troops of operation forest sanity killed two bandits during special clearance in the Alawa general area of Birnin Gwari LGA.

Aruwan said the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles, and one Baofeng radio from the bandits.

“The troops—set up as a blocking force—sighted bandits’ movement around Kwaga, and after a brief pursuit, neutralized two of them,” the commissioner said.

Aruwan added that in the second operation, troops of sector 6 operation whirl punch killed two bandits after they laid ambush along terrorists’ route in Nakwakina village of Giwa LGA following credible intelligence.

He said other troops rescued 20 abducted victims.

“The terrorists were eventually sighted and engaged, resulting in two neutralised as others escaped with bullet wounds,” he said.

“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 20 kidnapped victims and reunited them with their families.”

Aruwan said Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, commended the security forces for the breakthroughs and rescues in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa general areas.