Troops raid hideouts in Kaduna, kill seven ‘bandits’

At least seven suspected bandits have been killed following a raid by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna state. 

In a statement on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, said four persons were killed when troops conducted a clearance operation at Maidaro, Kagi hill, Kusharki, and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari LGA of the state.

The army spokesperson said three other bandits were killed in another operation conducted by a patrol team of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army along Sabon Birnin-Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, and Tungan Madaki general area.

“In continuation of the onslaught against terrorist groups in the North West, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army on Operation Forest Sanity conducted clearance operation to Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State during which contact was made with terrorists,” the statement reads.

“In the fierce encounter that followed, 4 bandits were neutralized, forcing others to flee in disarray.

“The gallant troops recovered two AK 47 rifles with two rounds of 7.62mm Special, one automatic pump action gun with 3 cartridges, 6 Dane guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols with one 9mm round and 4 motorcycles.

“In a separate operation conducted by another fighting patrol team of 1 Division of Nigerian Army, troops along Sabon Birnin-Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa and Tungan Madaki general area, closely supported from the air by Nigerian Air Force platforms, intercepted fleeing bandits from Kagi Hill.

“In the fire fight that ensued, the troops neutralized 3 terrorists.”

Nwachukwu added that Faruk Yahaya, chief of army staff (COAS), commended the troops for their efforts and “urged them not to relent until terrorism and other criminalities are brought to an end in the region”.