Troops of Operation Accord have killed 70 bandits in the  Kachia forest of  Kaduna State, the Defence Headquarters has said

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the success was recorded in a combined ground and air offensive conducted by troops of Operation Thunder Strike, under Operation Accord, in conjunction with troops of 312 Artillery Regiment and local vigilantes in the area.

“Their location was identified and consequently engaged by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships. After the air interdiction, seventy (70) bandits were confirmed killed by human intelligence while others escaped with injuries. The troops are exploiting the forest. Details to follow as they unfold.

“As a matter of security concern, people in this general area should report those with sudden and suspicious injuries to the security forces. This is to ensure that the escapees are mopped up.

“Similarly, troops of Operation YAKI in blocking positions for Operation ACCORD at outskirts of Kankomi village apprehended 2 bandits’ logistics suppliers. Items recovered include: recharge cards, cigarettes, soft drinks and groceries.

“The Military High Command congratulates Operation THUNDER STRIKE, Operation YAKI and Air Component of Operation ACCORD, for their dexterity while the general public is requested to continue to provide timely and credible information that would assist in eliminating bandits and other criminal elements in the country,” he said.