One bandit has been killed by soldiers attached to troops of Sector Four of Operation Whirl Punch, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion when they engaged in a fierce battle with the outlaws in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The superior fire power of the troops, it was learnt, forced the hoodlums to flee in disarray.
Samuel Aurwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who disclosed this on Saturday, however, was silent on when the incident took place, while adding that the gallant troops rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising nine men and five women and destroyed the bandits’ hideouts(camps).
“The troops who embarked on a long-range fighting patrol to Tukurua general area of Chikun LGA, engaged and overpowered the outlaws, neutralizing one, with others fleeing in disarray.
“The troops during the operation rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising nine men and five women. The victims were moved to a secure location for debriefing and examination before being reunited with their families.
“In the course of the battle, the troops destroyed several camps. Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation.”
The commissioner also said that the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai commended the troops and praised the leadership of the Major General TA Lagbaja, the GOC One Division and Force Commander of the Operation Whirl Punch.