Troops of One-Division Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch, on Thursday, killed six terrorists and arrested three others in a special operation in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home, Samuel Aruwan, who stated this, was, however, silent on when the operation took place.
The Commissioner said in a statement in Kaduna that based of report, troops in response to credible intelligence of terrorist activities in the general area, conducted a special fighting patrol to Galadimawa general area in Giwa LGA.
He said the troops set up an initial position at Sabon Sara village, where it was discovered that insurgents had abandoned a herd of rustled cattle as they hastily escaped from the location.
The Commissioner explained that the troops recovered the cattle and handed them over to locals before continuing the advance.
While saying that the troops then sighted insurgents at the Market Square of Galadimawa, Aruwan added that a swift exchange of fire resulted in six insurgents being neutralised (killed) by the troops.
He said 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.
The commissioner quoted governor Uba Sani to have received the report with excitement and praised the gallantry of the troops under the command of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj-Gen. MLD Saraso – for the breakthrough.
The Governor urged the security forces to pursue a thorough investigation towards dislodging more criminal networks.
“Special operations will continue in the general area and other locations of interest.
“In the meantime, the Government of Kaduna State hereby appeals to locals in frontline communities to continue to volunteer timely intelligence to the nearest security formations, or to the 24-hour Security Operations Room on the following lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added
Saying that the days of informants who provide information to terrorists on the movements of security forces and citizens, the Commissioner further “warned them(informants) to desist from these actions, as they are being trailed for diligent prosecution.