The Kaduna government says troops from the Nigerian Army repelled a bandit attack on a military post in Kankomi, Chikun LGA.
According to Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, in a statement issued on Sunday, the troops killed one of the attackers while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to Aruwan, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
He did, however, say that while exploring the attackers’ escape route, the troops discovered 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 troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, seven AK-47 magazines, seven rounds of ammunition, and five locally made grenades, according to the commissioner.
In another development, Aruwan stated that troops from Operation Forest Sanity conducted clearance patrols along the Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa axis, which extends 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.
According to the commissioner, two terrorists fled when they saw the troops, leaving behind their motorcycles, which were impounded.
He claimed that the troops completely dismantled several terrorist camps near Kafaiyo, Dafako, Kopi, and Gadani.
According to Aruwan, Kaduna state governor Nasir el-Rufai received the feedback with sadness and sent condolences to the victims’ families, while praying for the repose of their souls.
El-Rufai, he said, expressed gratitude to the troops for their tenacity and dedication.
Aruwan also advised residents in the area not to harbor or assist suspicious individuals seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds.
“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.”
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