TheCable

Troops of the Nigerian Army have, in multiple operations, killed nine “bandits” in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.

According to a statement on Thursday, Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the troops also rescued more than 12 women and children.

“In another fierce encounter, the troops and special forces cleared a hideout around Galadimawa forest, where four bandits were engaged and neutralised,” he said.

“More than a dozen kidnapped women and children were rescued by the troops, having been abandoned by their captors.

“On clearing the camp, the combat-ready officers and men recovered five locally made firearms, five rounds of ammunition, four cartridges, a radio and charger, and one military issue jungle hat.”

He added that Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, commended the troops for their efforts in rescuing the victims and tackling insecurity in the state.

“The Kaduna state government hereby appeals to citizens to continue to volunteer information on bandits, their hideouts as well as their informants and logisticians, via these phone lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.

The commissioner further assured residents that the troops will intensify offensives in identified hideouts across the state.