Soldiers killed bandits in Kaduna forest -Govt

The Kaduna State Government says several bandits have been killed in a coordinated attack by the military in the Bula community within the Yadi Forest of Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner overseeing Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated this in a statement released to newsmen on Friday.

Aruwan noted that coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch left several bandits dead, including an ally of a notorious terrorist, Buhari Yadi’, whose name was given as Alhaji Kachalla Ragas.

He added that the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.

The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area.

Aruwan said, “Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.

“Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.

“Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas – an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi – were confirmed to have been neutralized by the strike.”

The commissioner added that on receiving the report the state governor, Uba Sani, expressed satisfaction and commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.

“The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.