Troops neutralise bandits, rescue captives in Kaduna, Niger, Kano

<p>In continuation of the ongoing clearance operation to rid the North West of Nigeria of terrorism and banditry activities, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised several bandits and rescued scores of victims in Kaduna, Niger and Kano states.</p>, <p>In a statement, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahyah, said the troops carried out series of operations against all criminal elements in the division’s area of responsibility.</p>, <p>Yahyah stated that during these operations, troops neutralised several bandits, rescued many captives and cleared/destroyed countless bandits’ hideouts and motorcycles.</p>, <p>According to the Army spokesman, on July 11, 2023, troops successfully cleared bandits’ location at Sabon Birni, Maidaro, Dogon Dawa, Damari and Saulawa villages, all in Birnin Gwari Local Council of Kaduna State.</p>, <p>He added: “During the operation, troops neutralised two bandits and destroyed two motorcycles.</p>, <p>“Similarly, troops of the Division in Kano State raided bandits’ hideout in Dogon Ruwa and Mayan Ruwa in Falgore forest, arresting four bandits. On the same day at Fatika in Kaduna State, troops had intense fire fight with the bandits/cattle rustlers, recovering 72 cows, 29 sheep and a motorcycle.</p>, <p>“On July 15, 2023, during clearance operation at Kuriga and Manini villages in Birnin Gwari Local Council of Kaduna State, troops came in contact with bandits, taking abducted commuters to the bushes so as to negotiate ransom. Troops, therefore, engaged the criminal elements, overpowered them, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives to abscond into the tick forest in disarray with gunshot wounds.</p>, <p>“As a result, troops successfully rescued 19 abductees, who were escorted to their destination at Udawa to reunite with their family members.</p>, <p>“Again, on July 17, 2023, acting on credible intelligence, troops embarked on a fighting patrol to a bandits’ hideout in Doka, Chikun Local