By Ishaku Takwa/Musa Yahaya

In continuation with the onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities in the North Western part of the country, troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Air Component Operation Whirl Punch dealt massive blow on criminal elements.

In an operation that lasted for about 48 hours, troops cleared Manini-Kuriga, Farin Ruwa, Kwanan Yashi, Makera, Dogon Dawa-Maidaro, road Kidanda-Yadi Forest and Sabon Birnin all in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area and Dogon-Dawa-Kidandan in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the encounter, troops engaged the criminals with heavy and superior firepower, capturing one AK 47 rifle with quantity 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special, six motorcycles and neutralised 4 Bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops in their efforts to permanently displace the bandit and rendered the general area inhabitable for all criminals went ahead to destroy all the bandits enclaves, properties and the captured motorcycles.

The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the troops during the operation and commended them for their gallantry and resilience.

He also urged all law abiding citizens to continue to assist the military and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

Additionally, he appealed to members of the public, particularly health facilities and paramedics to watch out for persons who may be seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds and kindly report to relevant security agencies.

Meanwhile the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim has said the support and cooperation of the citizens are critical in ensuring crime free and secured society for economic activities to thrive.

The GOC made this know during a courtesy call on the Executive Governor and traditional rulers of Adamawa State while on tour to troops locations in the state.

Speaking at the Government House as well as the Palace of the Lamido Adamawa and the Emir of Mubi, General Ibrahim solicited for continued support to the troops deployed to secure the law abiding citizens.

He added that the security agents are working tirelessly to flush out all forms of criminalities and guarantee safe society especially, as the general elections are fast approaching.

He also warned criminals and hoodlums to abandon their nefarious activities and embrace meaningful means of livelihood.

The GOC further noted that troops of the Nigerian Army are well trained and will continue to discharge their duties professionally as enshrined in the Constitution.

Responding, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Right Honourable Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said there is an excellent relationship existing between the people of the state and troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in the state.

He also applauded security agencies for their concerted effort in nipping criminalities in the bud.

Also speaking, the Lamido Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mohammad Aliyu Mustapha and Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu scored the troops high for guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the people and pledged their continued support to security agencies.

They disclosed that the prompt response of troops to distress calls has reassured the people’s confidence of their security in the state.

Addressing the troops at various locations, General Ibrahim warned that disciplined soldiers are known for respecting their superiors and discharging their duties effectively and professionally.

The GOC further revealed his commitment to troops welfare, reward good conduct and gallantry as well as punish misconduct.

@views exclusive rights: ISHAKU TAKWA,
Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, MUSA YAHAYA, Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, 9 February 2023.