Troops raid bandit kingpin’s camp in Kaduna, recover items for IEDs production

Troops of operation Forest Sanity have raided the camp of Lawal Kwalba, a suspected bandit kingpin.

The troops were said to have raided the camp during a patrol in Rafin Dawa, Chikun LGA of the state on Thursday.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security, said the bandits took to their heels before the troops arrived at the camp.

He said 27 bags of fertiliser suspected to be used for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as one motorcycle and two mobile phones were recovered from the camp.

“Troops have made further inroads in the ongoing campaign against terrorists and armed bandits across the state,” the statement reads.

“The troops cleared the camp of a notorious bandit, Lawal Kwalba, in Rafin Dawa in the Dende general area of Chikun local government.

“According to the operational feedback, the troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted a patrol to the location following actionable intelligence.

“The troops after clearing the camp recovered some batteries and 27 bags of fertilizer. These materials indicate likely plans to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), considering the bandits’ close alliance with terrorists.

“Furthermore, one motorcycle and two mobile phones were recovered as the bandits took to their heels before the troops’ arrival.

“The troops extended the search a short distance from the camp and made some arrests. Investigations are ongoing on the intercepted suspects.”

The Kaduna state government praised the efforts of the troops in dislodging the bandits.