Troops have neutralised scores of bandits in Kaduna, following a coordinated attack by the military against the terrorists in Giwa Local Government Area in the State.

The Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement yesterday (Friday), said that the bandits were eliminated in coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch.

He said that the military operation “successfully neutralised several bandits, including some of their leaders, at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area.”

Aruwan said, “The strike was based on credible intelligence, which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.”

“The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area.”

“Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.”

The Commissioner pointed out that “further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.”

He added, “Upon verification, the location was struck, and scores of the bandits, including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas, an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralised Buharin Yadi, were confirmed to have been neutralised by the strike.”

“Receiving the report, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his satisfaction and warmly commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts, and precise execution. The Governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike.”

“The citizens are encouraged to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.”