Babatunji Wusu –
In a recent attack in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army troops killed at least seven militants.
On May 19, 2024, terrorists were engaged by Nigerian Army soldiers from 1 Division who were positioned at a blocking position in Udawa, Kaduna, as they were on a combat patrol along Udawa-Kurebe Road.
In addition, during the fighting, the soldiers took control of a number of objects, including motorcycles, charms, and weapons.
The soldiers engaged the terrorists in fierce gunfights during an aggressive patrol, according to a statement made by Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 1 Division Nigerian Army.
Five terrorists and violent extremists were neutralized during the Udawa confrontation, according to the statement.
Yahaya also enumerated the items that were found during the operation: two Baofeng radio chargers, two memory cards, two sim cards, four charms, an MP3 radio, six cartridges, an empty AK-47 rifle magazine, a phone battery, and two Baofeng radios.
Furthermore, he disclosed that on May 19, 2024, soldiers from the Division based at Sabo Birni in the Igabi local government of Kaduna State apprehended alleged terrorist activity in the Baka general area. With swift action, the soldiers confronted and defeated the terrorists.
“In the firefight that ensued, the terrorists who could not withstand the superior firepower of the troops cowardly fled to nearby hills in disarray with several degrees of gunshot wounds.
“The troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles while blood stains were seen all over the scene of the incident,” Yahaya said.
Similarly, while stationed in Kwaga village in Birnin Gwari local government, the soldiers from the Division confronted terrorist elements and successfully executed two criminals.
The seized goods from the offenders included two motorcycles, two magazines, and two AK-47 firearms.
Additionally, Maj.-Gen. MLD Saraso, the commander of Operation WHIRL PUNCH and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, thanked the troops for their initiative and urged them to keep going in order to make life miserable for terrorists, insurgents, violent extremists, and their allies.
Saraso also pleaded with law-abiding persons to notify the Nigerian Army or the closest security services as soon as they witness someone needing medical assistance for gunshot wounds.
He urged the people of Kaduna and the Niger States to give the Nigerian Army and other security services timely, useful intelligence so they can respond quickly.
