In a significant and meticulously coordinated military operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralized numerous bandits in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This operation, part of the broader Operation Whirl Punch, involved a series of coordinated ground and air strikes targeting bandits and their leaders at a specific meeting point near Bula community within the Yadi Forest.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, provided an in-depth account of the operation. According to Aruwan, the successful strike was based on highly credible intelligence. This intelligence followed the recent elimination of several notorious bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border, which had been a significant blow to the criminal network operating in the region.
Commissioner Aruwan explained that intelligence reports had revealed plans by the bandits to gather at the location for a meeting. The bandits were reportedly planning a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area. Acting swiftly on this information, troops of Operation Whirl Punch launched a coordinated attack to dislodge the bandits before they could execute their plans.
The operation involved close monitoring of the bandits’ movements. Troops tracked the bandits, who were observed bearing arms and moving towards the meeting point on motorcycles. Aruwan detailed, “Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location. Upon verification, the location was struck, resulting in the neutralization of scores of bandits, including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas, an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi.”
The precision and effectiveness of the strikes were emphasized in the detailed operational feedback provided to the Kaduna State Government. The strike not only disrupted the bandits’ plans but also eliminated key figures within their ranks, thereby weakening their operational capabilities.
Upon receiving the detailed report, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome of the operation. He warmly commended the security forces for their rapid response, diligent efforts, and precise execution of the operation. The Governor’s commendation extended to the various sources of intelligence that played a crucial role in the success of the operation. He highlighted the importance of community cooperation in providing the information necessary to combat the bandit threat effectively.
Governor Sani’s acknowledgment of the collaborative effort underscores the significance of intelligence-sharing between the community and security forces. It also highlights the government’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. The Governor’s statement serves as a reassurance to the residents of Kaduna State that their security is a top priority, and effective measures are being taken to address the threat posed by banditry and other forms of criminality.
This latest success in Giwa Local Government Area is a testament to the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to restore peace and stability in regions plagued by bandit activities. It demonstrates the capability and readiness of the Nigerian Army to respond to threats swiftly and effectively, leveraging both ground and aerial assets to achieve their objectives. The operation also highlights the critical role of timely and accurate intelligence in conducting successful military operations against insurgent and criminal elements.
