Scores of bandits troubling the north-western region and parts of Niger state have been feared killed in another coordinated attack by the military in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.
Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 21.
He said: “The coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized several bandits including some of their leaders at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA.
“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.
“The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area. Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.
“Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.
“Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas – an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi – were confirmed to have been neutralized by the strike.”
The security commissioner said Governor Uba Sani while receiving the report, expressed satisfaction and warmly commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.
“The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike,” he said.
Aruwan, however, encouraged the citizens of Kaduna State to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.
