Special Operatives
of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by the Special Forces of
the Police Airwing, in a daring offensive operation, stormed one of the largest
operational camps of the Ansaru Terror Group (also housing other bandits and
kidnappers) located inKuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State and
successfully neutralized over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru Terror
Group.
The operation which
commenced in the early hours of today, 5th February, 2020, was carried out by a
combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police
Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces, Intelligence
Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Special Anti-Robbery
Squad (SARS).
The operation,
according to a statement signed by Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, was
necessitated by 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 the country.
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 anti-aircraft 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
non-life 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.
Meanwhile, the
Inspector General of Police assures citizens of safety and sustained
intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of
the nation. He has equally applauded the unparalleled bravery, commitment and
dedication of the Police operatives currently conducting the special mission.
