By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Troops and Special Forces of the Nigerian Army made further gains in the ongoing offensives as they neutralized a total of nine bandits during fierce battles in some locations in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

This was disclosed via a statement on Thursday by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

The troops were said to have cleared a bandit camp at a river line around Rafin Sarki and neutralized five bandits in the vicinity, while many others fled.

In another leg of the fierce encounter, according to the statement, the troops and Special Forces cleared a hideout around Galadimawa forest, where four bandits were engaged and neutralized. More than a dozen kidnapped women and children were rescued by the troops, having been abandoned by their captors.

“On clearing the camp, the combat-ready officers and men recovered five locally made firearms, five rounds of ammunition, four cartridges, a radio and charger, and one military issue jungle hat,” the statement said.

It added: “Governor Nasir El-Rufai praised the consistent efforts of the officers and men, and further thanked them for the feats and successful rescue of the victims.

“Offensives in the identified enclaves continue across the State.

“The Kaduna State Government hereby appeals to citizens to continue to volunteer information on bandits, their hideouts as well as their informants and logisticians.”