Troops of the One Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch have eliminated six terrorists and arrested three suspects during special operations in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement said the troops in response to credible intelligence of terrorist activities in the general area, carried out a special fighting patrol to the Galadimawa general area in Giwa LGA.
During the operation, he said the troops set up an initial position at Sabon Sara village, where they discovered a herd of rustled cattle that were abandoned by the insurgents as they hastily escaped from the location.
The troops recovered the cattle and handed them over to locals before continuing the advance.
Aruwan pointed out that the troops later sighted the insurgents at the Market Square of Galadimawa and a swift exchange of gunfire resulted in six of the insurgents being neutralized by the troops.
According to him, a further search of the market area led to the arrest by the troops of three suspected collaborators and informants believed to have been offering logistic assistance to the criminal elements. Two motorcycles and four mobile phones were also recovered.
While receiving the report, the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani,
commended the troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding One Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, for the breakthrough.
The Governor urged the security forces to pursue a thorough investigation towards dislodging more criminal networks.
The State Government appealed to locals in front-line communities to continue to volunteer timely intelligence to the nearest security formations.
It also warned informants who provide information to terrorists on the movements of security forces and citizens, to desist from their actions, as they are being trailed for diligent prosecution.