Residents of Birnin Gwari, the local government area mostly affected by banditry in Kaduna state, have commended the security personnel and volunteer security groups for dislodging terrorists’ enclaves in Birnin Gwari Emirate and forests.
Just as security forces have continued with clearance operations in identified bandits and terrorists enclaves, arresting eight suspected bandits in Lere local government and rescuing six kidnapped victims in Chikun local government of Kaduna state.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, disclosed the arrest of the suspected bandits and rescue of kidnapped victims in two separate statements on Wednesday.
He said, “from recent operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, troops of Operation Forest Sanity in the early hours of Tuesday carried out a raid, and rescue operations, in Kuriga and Manini communities of Chikun Local government area.
“According to the report, the troops made contact and engaged bandits at the suspected enclave. After clearing the camp, the troops rescued six kidnapped citizens who were held at the location.
“The rescued persons are; Sahura Hamisu, Ramlatu Umar, Saudatu Ibrahim, Maryam Shittu, Fatima Shuaibu and Khadijah Mohammed (along with her infant child). The rescued persons have been safely reunited with their families.”
In the second statement, Aruwan said: “Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna state government that seven suspected bandits have been arrested in Mariri community of Lere local government area. According to the report, the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence gathering. Troops of Operation Safe Haven acted on the credible intelligence, and arrested members of a kidnap syndicate, identified as follows: Musa Adamu, Abdullahi Usman, Suleiman Hasidu, Usman Jibril, Saidu Isah, Hassan Abdulhamid and Idris Sani.
“The Kaduna state government has noted the reports, and especially the rescue of six kidnapped citizens and arrest of the suspected kidnap syndicate, with gratitude. The government warmly commended the troops, police personnel, intelligence operatives, vigilante members and other security forces, for another successful round of operations.
“The Kaduna State Government conveys its deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, and the Director General, Department of State Services, for the ongoing wave of onslaughts against criminal enclaves.
“Security forces will continue operations in the general area and other locations of interest across the state. Further updates will be reported accordingly.”
Meanwhile, people of Birnin Gwari under the auspices of Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) said they were elated by the success recorded this week by the joint security task force in many parts of Kaduna state and neighbouring states, where terrorists have been boldly killing, abducting and maiming innocent and unarmed citizens.
BEPU Chairman, Malam Ishaq Kasai, in a statement on Wednesday said BEPU commended the gallant security personnel and volunteer security groups for dislodging the terrorists’ enclaves in Birnin Gwari Emirate and adjoining forests.
According to the statement, “troops along with local volunteers have cleared bandits/terrorists hideout around Kuriga/Manini general area in Birnin Gwari LGA yesterday and rescued six female victims kidnapped from Birnin Gwari, Kuriga, Gyam and Bagoma towns”.
“The Union is indeed elated by the success recorded this week by the joint security taskforce in many parts of Kaduna state and neighbouring states, where terrorists have being boldly killing, abducting and maiming innocent and unarmed citizens.
“BEPU therefore encourages our security personnel to sustain the onslaught against this terrorists to their hideouts in the forests, particularly Kuduru Forests as well as Kuzomani, Kamuku and Kwalakwangi areas.”
