Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air component of Operation Whirl Punch have neutralized bandits and other criminal elements across communities in Kaduna State. 

Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, February 23, 2023, said weapons, motorcycles and IEDs were recovered during the operation.

“In a bid to create a very conducive environment for the peaceful and successful conduct of 2023 general elections and deny bandits freedom of action in 1 Division Area of Responsibility, the highly motivated troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dealt heavy blow on bandits and other criminal elements in Kaduna State,” the statement read.

“In the very aggressive fighting patrol that lasted over 48 hours, troops successfully cleared Mando – Sabon Birni – Maidaro – Dogon Dawa, Galadimawa, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa and Polewire villages respectively. 

“During the patrol, troops neutralized 5 bandits and recovered 10 motorcycles from the bandits while several other motorcycles were burnt/destroyed. Other items recovered the troops include 2 AK 47 rifles, 5 Improvised Explosive Devices, 2 mobile phones, bandits uniforms and magazines.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army has expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the troops during the operation and commended them for their gallantry and resilience and charged them not to relent until banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and all other crimes are brought to an end.”