Troops kill ‘notorious bandit leader, three gunmen’ in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have reportedly killed Dogo Bangaje, a “notorious bandit leader”, in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.

Bangaje was purportedly killed alongside three other gunmen.

In a statement, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing commissioner in the ministry of internal security and home affairs, said arms and ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IED), motorcycles, and petrol were recovered from the gunmen.

He said the operation to dislodge the bandits from their hideouts was conducted at the weekend in Tumburku and Sabon Sara villages.

“Security forces have reported to the Kaduna State Government that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized four bandits, including one notorious bandit leader, during fighting patrols in Giwa LGA at the weekend,” the statement reads.

“According to the operational feedback, the troops conducted the special fighting patrol first to Tumburku village and then projected the same to Sabon Sara, both in Giwa LGA.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops sighted bandits fleeing the latter location, and engaged the criminals in hot pursuits.

“The troops neutralized two of the bandits and recovered a range of items including a motorcycle, a mobile phone, gas lighters, tobacco, assorted charms, and a polythene bag containing petrol.

“The reports revealed that one of the bandits neutralized in the operations was a notorious bandit leader, Dogo Bangaje, who was eliminated alongside a close associate yet to be identified.”

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, commended the MLD Saraso-led troops for their efforts and congratulated them on the “remarkable breakthrough”.

The governor also urged security forces to sustain the momentum aimed at “flushing out criminal elements from the area”.