Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised six insurgents and arrested three suspects during special operations in Giwa local government area of Kaduna state.
This was disclosed in an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government by the Nigerian military.
The security report explained that troops in response to credible intelligence of terrorist activities in the general area, conducted a special fighting patrol to Galadimawa general area in Giwa LGA.
The state’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Thursday said the troops set up an initial position at Sabon Sara village where it was discovered that insurgents had abandoned a herd of rustled cattle as they hastily escaped from the location.
Aruwan said further that the troops recovered the cattle and handed them over to the locals before continuing with the operation.
“The troops then sighted insurgents at the Market Square of Galadimawa. A swift exchange of fire resulted in six insurgents being neutralized by the troops,” Aruwan said.
He further said that a search of the market area led to the arrest by the troops of three suspected collaborators and informants believed to have been offering logistic assistance to the criminal elements.
“Two motorcycles and four mobile phones were also recovered,” the Commissioner said.
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, who congratulated the troops – under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Major General MLD Saraso for the breakthrough, urged the security forces to pursue a thorough investigation towards dislodging more criminal networks.
In the meantime, the Kaduna State Government has appealed to locals in frontline communities to continue to volunteer timely intelligence to the nearest security formations, or to the 24-hour Security Operations Room via 09034000060 and 08170189999.
“Finally, informants who provide information to terrorists on the movements of security forces and citizens, are warned to desist from these actions, as they are being trailed for diligent prosecution,” the statement said.