Troops of Sector Four of “Operation Whirl Punch’’, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have cleared a bandits’ hideout in a fierce encounter in Kaduna State.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement he issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

Mr Aruwan said the troops who embarked on a long-range fighting patrol to the Tukurua general area of Chikun Local Government Area of the state engaged and overpowered the criminals, neutralised one, while others fled in disarray.

“The troops, during the operation, rescued 14 kidnap victims, comprising nine men and five women.

“The victims were moved to a secure location for debriefing and examination, before being reunited with their families,’’ he stated.

Mr Aruwan added that the troops destroyed several camps during the battle.

“Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation,’’ he also stated.

The commissioner stated that Governor Nasir El-Rufai was elated at the troops’ successes and commended the leadership of Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and the Force Commander of the “Operation Whirl Punch’’.

He said Mr El-Rufai also extolled the prowess of the troops as all the kidnap victims were rescued unhurt.

(NAN)