The Nigeria Police Force has killed 250 bandits and terrorists in Kuduru Forest near Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

The operation was carried out jointly with the support of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Forces, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad and Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

During the operation, bandits  shot at a police helicopter  providing aerial and intelligence cover. Tragedy was however averted as the pilot and co-pilot, managed to land the aircraft at the Air Force base in Kaduna.

This was disclosed in a  statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, on Wednesday evening.

The Statement read:

“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 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.