By Idowu Abdullahi,
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has disclosed that its troops neutralized no fewer than seventeen bandits, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds during a joint clearance operation in Damba and Kabarasha villages in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It explained that the assault against the bandits was in continuation of the Military’s operations and resolve to rid the state of armed bandits and other criminal elements disturbing the peace of the state.
The Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, disclosed that the assault was conducted by troops of Thunder Strike and Whirl Punch with air support from the Air Component of Operation Gama Aiki, at the bandits’ hideouts, adding that three houses and a Church were partially destroyed during the operation.
Enenche, through a statement released to newsmen on Monday, reiterated the Armed force’s commitment to work assiduously in restoring peace and security to the North West, while calling on the residents to not hesitate in providing credible information that will facilitate the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, on 7 May 2020, conducted a joint clearance operation, involving troops of Operations THUNDER STRIKE and WHIRL PUNCH with air support from the Air Component of Operation GAMA AIKI, at suspected bandits’ hideouts around Mashigi Galbi, Damba Community and Kabarasha Villages all in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State. During the operation, Seventeen armed bandits were neutralized, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“However, in the course of pursuing the bandits, 3 empty houses and a Church building were partially damaged at Kabarasha Village. There was no civilian casualty. 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”, the statement read in part.
