Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Air Component Operation Whirl Punch have neutralized four bandits and recovered arms and ammunition in about 48hours operation in Kaduna State.

Lieutenant-Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, in a statement said that the operation is in continuation of the onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities.

He added that troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and Air Component Operation Whirl Punch in the operation dealt a massive blow on criminal elements.

According to him, “In an operation that lasted for about 48 hours, troops cleared Manini-Kuriga, Farin Ruwa, Kwanan Yashi, Makera, Dogon Dawa-Maidaro road, Kidanda-Yadi Forest and Sabon Birnin all in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.”

The troops, according to him, engaged the criminals with heavy and superior firepower, recovered one AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six motorcycles, adding that they neutralised four bandits, while others escaped with gunshot wounds during the encounter.

The statement further explained that the troops, in their efforts to permanently displace the bandits and render the general area inhabitable for all criminals, went ahead to destroy all the bandits’ enclaves, properties and the captured motorcycles.

According to the statement, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, the General Officer Commanding, (GOC) 1 Division, who is also the commander, Operation Whirl Punch, expressed delight with the conduct of the troops during the operation.

He appealed to the people to report persons with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention in any part of the State.