By Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have killed seven bandits following a clearance operation in some parts of Kaduna state.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Yahaya said that four of the bandits were killed on 1 November 2023 during which troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, one machete, one mobile phone, and fourteen motorcycles from the criminals.
“In a related development, on 2 November 2023, some farmers who were harvesting their crops in the western part of Sabon Sara village fled their farms and alerted troops of bandits attack. The troops on receipt of the information quickly mobilized to the area. Upon arrival, four of the farmers courageously joined the troops and neutralized one bandit while others withdrew in disarray with gunshot wounds.
“The troops recovered two AK 47 rifles while one of the farmers, Abdulrahman Aliyu who sustained minor injuries during the encounter was immediately evacuated to a nearby military hospital for treatment,” the statement said.
It added that on 3 November 2023, troops who were conducting clearance operations around the general areas of Kankomi, Juji, Gwantu, Kujeni, Kikwari, and Kaso all in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state killed two of the criminals.
“Items recovered include one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, four 7.62MM Special ammunition, one Honda motorcycle, and one Techno phone.”
According to the statement, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Major General VU Okoro has commended the troops for their gallantry and especially applauded the farmers for their act of bravery.
“He charged the troops not to relent until all terrorists, bandits, and all criminal elements in the Division’s area of responsibility are completely neutralized.”
