The troops of Operations Thunder Strike and Whirl Punch in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Gama Aiki, have killed 17 notorious bandits at their hideouts in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Enenche said that several other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds in the joint operation that was conducted on May 7 at suspected bandits’ hideouts around Mashigi Galbi, Damba Community and Kabarasha Villages in Gwagwada District.

The operation was said to be in continuation of efforts of the armed forces of Nigeria to rid Kaduna state of bandits and other criminal elements.

According to him, in the course of pursuing the bandits, three empty houses and a Church building were partially damaged at Kabarasha village but there was no civilian casualty.

Enenche expressed the regret of the military over the incident, assuring that a panel had been set up to investigate the occurrence in liaison with the State Government.

He added that the buildings had been identified to provide adequate compensation to the owners, adding that normalcy had been restored to the areas.

According to him, few people, who initially fled the area due to fear of bandits’ reprisal attack, have all returned to the community.

“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby reassure the general public that it will continue to work assiduously to restore peace and security in the North West.