Troops deployed in Operation Whirl Punch have killed 14 suspected bandits and other criminals since the military launched the operation in October.
The acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, disclosed this to reporters on Monday during a press briefing at the 1 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters in Kaduna.
“So far, in this operation, 14 notorious bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers have been neutralised,” he said.
“Likewise, several assorted sophisticated arms, ammunition and large herds of cattle have been recovered from the bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers.”
Brigadier General Agim explained that the operation was part of the Operation 777 being conducted and coordinated simultaneously nationwide under the auspices of the Defence Headquarters.
He revealed that troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, two pistols, three mobile phones, a large cache of ammunition and 32 motorcycles from the suspects.
He added that the soldiers rescued some kidnapped people, recovered hundreds of livestock, and arrested some suspected bandits and their informants who were already helping them with the investigation.
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The military spokesman said, “A total of 31 people (18 children and 13 adults) were rescued from kidnappers within the Area of Operation.
“The troops also recovered over 331 cows from rustlers in Birnin Gwari area and 132 cows in Birnin Yero areas respectively. Along the Kaduna – Abuja Expressway, 49 cows and 42 sheep have been recovered.”
Agim stressed that the recovered animals have since been handed over to their screened and profiled owners.
He, however, regretted that two soldiers were wounded during the operation and were taken to the military hospital in Kaduna for treatment.
The Brigadier General added that two civilian vigilantes assisting troops in the operation were killed in action by bandits’ fire.
He thereafter assured the law-abiding citizens that the military and other security agencies would continue to ensure the protection of their lives and properties.
According to Agim, Operation 777 is designed to consolidate on the achievement of the existing operations to enhance the safety and promote socio-economic activities of the people.
He stated that the military would continue to solicit the support and cooperation of the media towards the success of the operation.
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