NA Neutralizes Bandits and Recovers Weapons in Successful Operations

By Mo. Hanif

In a recent operation, troops from 1 Division Nigerian Army and operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized three bandits and recovered a cache of weapons in Kaduna. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops carried out a clearance operation in the Maro - Chibiya forest area of Kajuru Local Government Area on November 12, 2023.

During the operation, the troops encountered the bandits and engaged them with a heavy volume of fire. As a result, one bandit was neutralized, forcing the others to flee with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest. In their retreat, the troops were able to capture one AK 47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK 47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and one mobile phone.

In another successful operation, troops from the Division and operation Whirl Punch conducted a clearance operation in the Kawara and Filin Jalo villages of Igabi Local Government Area on November 10, 2023. They also encountered bandits in Kawara forest and engaged in a firefight. One bandit was neutralized, and the troops recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one motorcycle, and one techno phone. The remaining bandits managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

Additionally, troops of the Division conducted a clearance operation in several villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, including Mai-Kulu-Gwanda, Rafin Gora, Funtua Badadi, and Kabawa. One bandit was neutralized during this operation, and the troops seized a Boafeng radio and a motorcycle.

Major General Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander operation WHIRL PUNCH, commended the troops for their bravery in these operations. He urged them to continue their efforts until all bandits, terrorists, and criminal elements in the Division's Area of Responsibility are completely eradicated.

Musa Yahaya, Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 1 Division Nigerian Army, released the information regarding these operations on November 12, 2023.