The military in a combined ground and air operation on Friday killed 70 armed bandits and cattle rustlers in Kachia forest, Kaduna State following credible information on their movement, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, said yesterday.
He said troops of Operation Thunder Strike under Operation Accord in conjunction with troops of the 312 Artillery Regiment and vigilante members had conducted a clearance patrol to the forest.
“Troops pursued the bandits through Gidan Maikeri village in Chikun Local Government Area into the forest. Their location was identified and consequently engaged by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships.
“After the air interdiction, 70 bandits were confirmed killed while others escaped with injuries,” he said.
He said as a matter of security concern, people in the area should report those with sudden and suspicious injuries to security forces to ensure that the escapees are mopped up.
He also said troops of Operation Yaki in blocking positions for Operation Accord at outskirts of Kankomi village apprehended two bandits’ logistics suppliers.
