By Milcah Tanimu

In a recent operation in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army troops from the 1 Division successfully neutralized at least seven terrorists. The encounter occurred on May 19, 2024, during a combat patrol along the Udawa – Kurebe Road.

The troops, positioned at a blocking point in Udawa, engaged the terrorists in intense gunfights, resulting in the elimination of five terrorists and violent extremists. They recovered various items, including weapons and motorcycles, during the clashes.

Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 1 Division, detailed the items seized: a pump-action gun, six cartridges, an empty AK-47 rifle magazine, an MP3 radio, a phone battery, two Baofeng radios, two Baofeng radio chargers, four memory cards, two SIM cards, and four charms.

In a related incident, troops stationed at Sabo Birni in the Igabi local government area intercepted suspected terrorists in the Baka general area. Upon engaging the terrorists, the superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to flee, leaving behind an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles. Bloodstains at the scene indicated injuries among the fleeing terrorists.

Additionally, soldiers encountered and eliminated two more terrorists at Kwaga village in Birnin Gwari local government, confiscating two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and two motorcycles.

Maj.-Gen. MLD Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation WHIRL PUNCH, commended the troops for their proactive efforts. He urged them to continue their operations to make life unbearable for terrorists and their associates. Saraso also appealed to the public to report anyone seeking medical treatment for gunshot wounds and to provide timely intelligence to the army and security agencies for swift action.