By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
One bandit was killed after engaging in a fierce battle with soldiers attached to troops of Sector Four of Operation Whirl Punch, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The hoodlums were forced to flee in disarray following the superior fire power of the troops.
Samuel Aurwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who disclosed this on Saturday, also disclosed that 14 kidnapped victims, comprising nine men and five women were rescued by the gallant troops and destroyed the bandits’ hideouts (camps).
According to him, “The Troops of Sector Four of Operation Whirl Punch, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion have cleared a bandit hideout during a fierce encounter in Kaduna State.”
He added that the troops embarked on a long-range fighting patrol to Tukurua general area of Chikun local government area, engaged and overpowered the outlaws, neutralizing one, with others fleeing in disarray.
He further explained that the troops during the operation rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising nine men and five women, stressing that the victims were moved to a secured location for debriefing and examination before being reunited with their families.
In the course of the battle, the Commissioner stated that the troops destroyed several camps and recovered two motorcycles during the operation.
He pointed out that Governor el-Rufai commended the troops and praised the leadership of the Major General T.A. Lagbaja, the GOC One Division and Force Commander of the Operation Whirl Punch.
