Troops kill 2, clear bandits’ camps in Kaduna

The troops of 1 Division Nigeria Army led by the GOC, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, clearing bandits hideout in Kaduna communities on August 30, 2022

The troops of the Nigerian Army, in the early hours of Sunday, repelled bandits attack, killed two, and cleared their camps in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed the incident via a statement issued on Sunday.

Aruwan said the state government was informed of the incident in feedback which captured the bravery exhibited by the troops in overpowering the bandits.

He noted that the attackers made an attempt to infiltrate the location housing the troops, adding that the soldiers, in response, engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun duel which lasted for over an hour.

“This resulted in the elimination of one of the terrorists, who was wearing military camouflage combat gear.

“Others escaped with bullet wounds as evidenced by bloodstains along their withdrawal route,” the commissioner said.

Aruwan disclosed that the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, seven AK47 magazines, seven rounds of ammunition, and five locally-made grenades from the bandits.

“Sadly, while exploiting the withdrawal route of the bandits, three corpses were found by the troops, apparently locals killed by the fleeing bandits,” he added.

The commissioner said the troops of Operation Forest Sanity also conducted clearance patrols along the Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa axis, stretching from Chikun LGA to nearby interstate boundary areas.

He said contact was made with terrorists on high ground ahead of Kafaiyo, adding: “One terrorist was neutralised, and an AK-47 rifle recovered.”

Aruwan disclosed that two terrorists fled on sighting the troops, leaving behind their motorcycles which were impounded.

“The troops completely dislodged several terrorists’ camps around Kafaiyo, Dafako, Kopi, and Gadani,” he said.

The commissioner said the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, received the feedback with sadness, and sent his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while praying for the repose of their souls.

El-Rufai, however, expressed gratitude to the courageous troops for their resilient efforts and dedication.

The Star

Segun Ojo