Soldiers attached to troops of Sector Four of Operation Whirl Punch, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion have killed one bandit after engaging 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.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aurwan, who disclosed this on Saturday, however, was silent on when the incident took place.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the gallant troops rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising nine men and five women and destroyed the bandits’ camps.
He said, “The Troops of Sector Four of Operation Whirl Punch, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion have cleared a bandit hideout during a fierce encounter in Kaduna State.
“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 the 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.