Kaduna: Police kill 250 terrorists, bandits in Kaduru forest

The police yesterday neutralized over 250 terrorists and bandits in Kuduru forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

Police spokesman Frank Mba , in a statement, said the operation which commenced in the early hours of yesterday, was carried out by a combined team of Operation Puff Adder comprising the Police Mobile Force, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, the Special Forces,

Intelligence Response Team, the Special Tactical Squad and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

He said the operation was sequel to actionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the “super camp” to series of terror-related violence, kidnappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across Nigeria.

He

stated:

“Special

Operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by the Special Forces of the Police Air Wing, in a daring offensive operation, stormed one of the largest operational camps of the Ansaru terror group (also housing other bandits and kidnappers) located in Kuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State and successfully neutralized over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru

Terror group.”

Mba said, “Unfortunately, during the operation, a police bell helicopter, which provided aerial and intelligence cover for the ground troops came under attack from the bandits using sophisticated antiaircraft rifles and GPMG.”

“Commendably, the pilot and the co-pilot who demonstrated uncommon courage and expertise successfully landed the aircraft at the Air Force Base, Kaduna without further incident.

“They were thereafter evacuated for medical treatment. Both officers who sustained nonlife threatening injuries are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition. The police helicopter has since been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police Pilots en-route to Abuja.”