The use of sophisticated weaponry by criminals is giving security agencies sleepless nights following the use of anti-aircraft guns and General Purpose Machine guns (GPMG) to almost down a police chopper in Kuduru Forest in Kaduna State.
But the bandits and members of the Ansaru terrorist group got a bloody nose, according to a Police statement that claimed 250 of them were killed in the chopper assault.
The pilot and co-pilot sustained injuries., but managed to land the craft which has since returned to Abuja, after landing initially at Air Force Base, Kaduna.
The onslaught against the criminal elements in the largest operational camps of the Ansaru Terror group, with other bandits and kidnappers, located in Kuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State is said to be one of the Police biggest raids in recent time.
Police Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, said in his statement on Wednesday evening, “The operation which commenced in the early hours of … 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….
”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 missions”.