Troops have killed 17 bandits during an encounter in Kwandaga in Kaduna State as part of the ongoing operations in North-central and Northwest against insurgency, just as the Defence Headquarters last night confirmed the recovery of caches of arms in Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states.
A highly placed security source told our correspondent that the 17 bandits were killed during a ‘deadly’ encounter with troops in Kwandaga. “The war against insurgents in Kaduna axis is yielding results. Troops were able to kill 17 bandits during fierce encounter in Kwandaga. The troops are also combing other parts of the state to smoke out these armed gangs.”
A statement by the Director, Defence Information/Coordinator, Major-General, Chris Olukolade, was however silent on the casualty figures. “In Kaduna State, troops had encounter with armed gangs and bandits at Kwandaga during which some casualties were recorded and lots of arms and ammunition recovered.
“The operation to rid the North-central and Northwest parts of the Federation of armed gangs is tagged: Operation Restore Peace and is still in progress in various locations.”
The DHQ also gave the details of the arms and ammunition recovered in Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states. “Troops operating in the North-central and Northwestern parts of the Federation have recovered caches of arms and ammunition in those areas.
“During a cordon and search operation at Anyibe in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, troops seized a cache of arms run by a young member of an armed gang.
“Two Rifles, three locally fabricated pistols and 61 rounds of special ammunition were recovered during the operation. The arrested gang member is currently being interrogated.
“Also in Plateau State, the cordon and search operation in two chiefdoms of the state has yielded the recovery of five guns, three locally fabricated pistols and two revolvers from the hideouts of armed gangs at Hukke and Reweinko.
“Other items recovered during the operation include some IED making materials, 45 live cartridges, various calibres of ammunition, bows and arrows and other items such as cutlasses, axes and diggers.”
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