4th March, 2023
Troops of Operation Whirl Punch and Special Forces from the 167 Battalion have neutralised a bandit and rescued fourteen victims after a fierce battle with the outlaws in Chikun, Kaduna.
Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed this on Saturday.
According to him, the gallant soldiers forced the bandits to flee after they destroyed their hideouts (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.”
Governor Nasir El-Rufai praised the troops and the leadership of Major General TA Lagbaja, the GOC One Division and Force Commander of Operation Whirl Punch.