TheCable

The Kaduna government says troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled an attack by bandits on a military post in Kankomi, Chikun LGA of the state.

In a statement on Sunday, Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the troops killed one of the attackers, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Aruwan said the incident occured in the early hours of Sunday.

He, however, said the troops, while exploring the withdrawal route of the attackers, found three corpses, adding that they were “apparently locals killed by the fleeing bandits”.

“The Kaduna state government was informed of the development in feedback which captured the bravery exhibited by the troops in overpowering the bandits,” the statement reads.

“The attackers made an attempt to infiltrate the location housing the troops. The vigilant troops in response engaged them in a fierce gun duel which lasted for over an hour.

“This resulted in the elimination of one of the terrorists, who was wearing military camouflage combat gear as can be seen in the attached photo.

“Others escaped with bullet wounds as evidenced by bloodstains along their withdrawal route.”

The commissioner added that the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, seven AK-47 magazines, seven rounds of ammunition and five locally-made grenades.

Aruwan said in another development, troops of operation Forest Sanity conducted clearance patrols along the Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa axis, stretching from Chikun LGA to nearby interstate boundary areas.

“According to the report, contact was made with terrorists on a high ground ahead of Kafaiyo. One terrorist was neutralised, and an AK-47 rifle recovered,” the statement reads.

The commissioner said that two terrorists fled on sighting the troops, leaving behind their motorcycles which were impounded.

He said the troops completely dislodged several terrorists’ camps around Kafaiyo, Dafako, Kopi and Gadani.

Aruwan said Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, received the feedback with sadness, and sent his condolences to the families of the victims, while praying for the repose of their souls.

He said el-Rufai expressed gratitude to the troops for their resilient efforts and dedication.

Aruwan further advised citizens in the area not to harbour or provide support to suspicious persons seeking medical attention for gunshot injuries.

“Such cases should be reported to the security operations room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.

“Aggressive fighting patrols are in progress in the general area, and citizens will be updated on further developments.”