Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army and Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch have neutralized four bandits and captured arms and ammunition in an operation that lasted for about 48 hours in Kaduna State.

The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt-Col Musa Yahaya confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.

Yahaya said that the operation was in continuation of the onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities in the North West.

“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.”

He disclosed that during the encounter, troops engaged the criminals with heavy and superior firepower, capturing one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special, six motorcycles and neutralized four bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

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

The General Officer Commanding (GOC),1 Division, who is also the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the troops during the operation.

He commended them for their gallantry and resilience.

The GOC urged all law abiding citizens to continue to assist the military and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to terminate the bandits and terrorists.

Lagbaja also appealed to members of the public, health facilities and paramedics to report persons with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention.