From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna & Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Troops of operation‘Whirl Punch’ of the Nigerian Army have killed three bandits while raiding their hideouts in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This is just as Policemen arrested three suspected cultists with firearms in Niger.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer of the One Division, Musa Yahaya, said the troops recovered AK 47 rifles, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, seven AK 47 magazines and eight motorcycles, during the operation.
Yahaya said other items recovered include three locally made magazines, six mobile phones, drugs, and charms.
He said, “During the well-planned and adequately executed operation, troops neutralised 3 bandits and captured one AK 47 rifle, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, seven AK 47 magazines, and eight motorcycles.
“Other items recovered included three locally made magazines, six mobile phones, drugs, and charms.”
He added that the General Officer Commanding the division, Major General BA. Alabi hailed the gallantry of the soldiers.
“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen BA Alabi has commended the successes recorded by the gallant troops and charged them to continue the tempo and aggressiveness until all criminal elements are completely eradicated,” he added.
Meanwhile, Niger state police command has arrested 3 suspected cultists who were in possession of unlawful firearms in Lapai local government of the state.
In a statement issued by the State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun said the suspects were arrested in their various residences, off campus in Lapai for being suspected to be cult members.
According to him, they were Tanko Augustine Solomon 27yrs of Maikunkele, Idris Hamza 25yrs of Maikunkele and Idris Hayatullahi 25yrs of Lokoja, Kogi State.
He hinted that based on credible intelligence, police operatives attached to Lapai Division arrested the suspects who claimed to be IBBU students.
One of the suspects Tanko confessed that they belong to the Neo-black Movement (NBM) and his mission was to initiate more students from the school to fight for black racism movement.
It was gathered that Tanko Solomon has been leading fight to other campuses and that he severed his stepmother’s left hand recently over a mere argument at Maikunkele area of Minna.
Exhibits recovered from Tanko Solomon include; One locally-made pistol with five cartridges and two axes among others.
Suspects have been charged to court for prosecution, and effort is equally ongoing to arrest other members of the cult group.
