By FOLUSHO ALADE,ABUJA
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralized armed bandits in the Mararaba Udege area of Nasarawa state, North-central zone in a clearance operation.
According to a report from the Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja 3 kidnapped victims were also rescued in the operation.
The report contained in a statement signed by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations(DMO), MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE said troops on joint clearance operation on 25th September 2020 around Mararaba Udege in Nasarawa State, raided a suspected kidnappers’ camp along Bakonu road in Nasarawa Local Government Area, where 2 kidnappers were killed and 3 kidnapped victims rescued.
He however said the rescued victims have been reunited with their families.
The statement reads in full: “In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and 117 Guards Battalion recorded appreciable successes against criminal elements.
“ Troops while on joint clearance operation on 25 September 2020 around Mararaba Udege in Nasarawa State raided a suspected kidnappers’ camp along Bakonu road in Nasarawa Local Government Area. In the course of the operation, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued while 2 kidnappers were killed in action. Rescued victims have been reunited with their families.
“ In another development, following credible intelligence on the possible regrouping of some elements linked to late Gana at a hideout around Kwaghaondo village in Chanchanji council ward of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a dawn raid operation at the identified hideout.
“The gallant troops made contact with the armed militia elements who opened fire and fled as troops closed in on their position. Troops swiftly responded with superior firepower which led to the killing of 2 bandits while one AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered. Currentlty troops have continued to dominate the area with aggressive patrols and ambushes to deny bandits freedom of action.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies remain committed, resolute and determined to curtail the activities of insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements in the country. Members of the general public are requested to always continue to provide timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies location for prompt action”, the statement read.
