Nigerian Armed Forces Neutralize Bandits At 2 Kaduna Villages

• Regret partial damage to 3 houses, Church building

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Nigerian Armed Forces has recorded another round of success in their fight to rid Kaduna State and its environs of armed bandits and other criminal elements

Stepping up operations to deliver on their mandate, the Armed Forces on May 7, 2020, successfully conducted a joint clearance raid at suspected bandits’ hideouts around Mashigi Galbi, Damba Community and Kabarasha Villlages, all located in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

Involved in the latest mission were troops of Operations THUNDER STRIKE and WHIRL PUNCH with air support from the Air Component of Operation GAMA AIKI.

A statement by Major General John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters in Abuja said; “During the operation, Seventeen (17) armed bandits were neutralized, while several others escaped with gun shot wounds.

The statement however said; “in the course of pursuing the bandits, three (3) empty houses and a Church building were partially damaged at Kabarasha Village. There was no civilian casualty.”

According to General Enenche, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria regrets this unfortunate incident and a panel has been set up to investigate the occurrence in liaison with the Kaduna State Government.

“The buildings have been identified with a view to providing adequate compensation to the owners.”

Meanwhile, the Defence Media Operations Coordinator said “calm has been restored to the area”, adding that; “Few people, who initially fled the area due to fear of bandits’ reprisal attack, have all returned to the Community.”

“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby reassure the general public that it will continue to work assiduously to restore peace and security to the North West.

“It equally thanks the general public for their support and cooperation, while encouraging them to continue to provide credible information that will facilitate the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, the statement said.