Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised insurgents and recovered firearms and ammunition in encounters with insurgents in the general area of Igabi, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed in a Wednesday statement that the operation occurred within the 1 Division area of responsibility in continuation of ongoing operations.
“Troops in response to recent insurgents’ attacks against civilians in Igabi and Giwa Local Governments projected ongoing operations to flush out the insurgents from these areas and bring succour to the people.
“While on a fighting patrol along Maganda-Dausayi – Mugaba axis, troops came under fire from insurgents who employed rustled herds of cattle as shields while they engaged the troops with direct fire.
“The insurgents whose number could not be ascertained fired several shots at the troops from the cover of the herds of livestock prompting immediate response from troops,” he said.
The army spokesman stated that in the ensuing firefight that lasted for about an hour, troops neutralised two of the insurgents.
Nwachukwu added that troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 Magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm Special, one Tecno phone, three Hilux and motorcycle keys, wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana, tramadol tablets and the sum of N13,200 only.
“Unfortunately, in the encounter, some of the rustled livestock used as shield by the insurgents were caught in the crossfire.
“Troops are still on the trail of the fleeing insurgents and remain resolute on ridding the area of responsibility of armed violence,” he said.
In a separate operation conducted by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, February 22, troops successfully ambushed marauding insurgents along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.
In the encounter, troops neutralised six insurgents and recovered two AK 47 rifles, five AK 47 rifle magazines, 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and 19 motorcycles which were destroyed in situ.
Intelligence sources are reporting that the notorious bandit Kingpin Boderi who orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings including the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University and Nigerian Defence Academy attacks was killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in the ambush.
Efforts are on to authenticate this using other means.
“Members of the public are enjoined to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the ongoing war against terrorism and insurgency in the country,” the Army said.