Nigerian Troops Neutralize 2 Bandits in Kaduna as Operations Intensify

The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army reported a significant victory on Monday as its troops successfully eliminated two bandits, seizing a cache of arms and ammunition during a targeted operation in Kaduna. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed this triumph in a statement released in Kaduna.

Lt.-Col. Yahaya underscored that this achievement stems from the sustained offensive against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements in the North Western region of Nigeria.

Describing the encounter, Lt.-Col. Yahaya stated, “Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Operation Whirl Punch executed a clearance operation in the Juji and Telele-Kaso areas of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State on Nov. 13.

“The bandits, upon sighting the advancing troops, engaged them in gunfire. However, the troops swiftly overwhelmed the bandits with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralization of two bandits, while the others scattered in disarray.”

He went on to say, “The recovered loot includes one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 rifle magazines, five 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two locally-made hand grenades, four handsets, two motorcycle bearings, as well as spanners and screwdrivers.”

Quoting Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Force Commander of Operation Whirl Punch, Lt.-Col. Yahaya emphasized the necessity for the public to continue furnishing credible information to support ongoing operations.

Maj.-Gen. Okoro further stressed that such support is pivotal in enhancing the anti-terrorism, anti-banditry, and overall anti-criminality efforts within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.