Troops kill ‘three bandits’, recover weapons in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army says its operatives have killed three suspected bandits in Kaduna state.

In a statement on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, said the suspects were killed around Sabon Birni, Dogondawa-Kuyelo and Farin Ruwa on Saturday.

Nwachukwu said there was an exchange of gunfire when the troops encountered them during a patrol.

“The dogged and highly motivated troops, while on a fighting patrol, came in contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits,” he said.

“The troops, in the ensuing shootout, eliminated three of the terrorists and recovered two AK 47 rifles, nine magazines, seven Baofeng communication radios, one Tecno mobile phone, 120 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one power generator and a motorcycle.

“The chief of army staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until banditry is eradicated in the region.

“The general officer commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged all law abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information that would assist the troops in their operations against the criminal elements.”

The development comes amid increasing operations by troops in Kaduna and other parts of the country as part of efforts to improve security.