Nigerian Troops Neutralize Bandits, Rescue Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna and Plateau
In recent operations, Nigerian Army troops have achieved significant successes in combating banditry and illegal gunrunning across Kaduna and Plateau States.
In Kaduna State, the military neutralized four bandits and rescued 20 kidnapped individuals through coordinated efforts by Operation Forest Sanity and Operation Whirl Punch. Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, reported that the first operation occurred in Alawa, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area (LGA), where troops from Operation Forest Sanity engaged and eliminated two bandits. The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles, and a Baofeng Radio.
Another operation by Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Punch targeted bandits on Kwaga-Polewire Road in Birnin Gwari LGA. Following a distress call, the troops intervened, causing the bandits to flee and successfully rescuing 20 kidnapped locals, who have since been reunited with their families.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State praised the military’s efforts, expressing his gratitude for their bravery and effectiveness. He commended Major General MLD Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, for the notable successes in the region. Governor Sani urged the troops to maintain their momentum in tackling banditry and insurgency.
In Plateau State, troops from Operation Safe Haven arrested five gunrunners, including a female, in Jos North LGA. The arrests followed a raid on their hideout in the Bauchi Road community. The suspects were transported to the Special Task Force headquarters in Jos, where they were paraded with the recovered arms and ammunition.
Major Samson Zhakom, the Special Task Force spokesman, detailed that the operation, which took place between September 16 and 17, involved the raid of a gunrunner’s hideout in Naraguta Mining Area. The operation led to the arrest of the suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Sani, and four associates, along with the recovery of various firearms and ammunition. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to aid in disrupting the gunrunning network.
These operations highlight the ongoing efforts of Nigerian security forces to address banditry and illegal arms proliferation in the country.
