*Destroy ANSARU terrorists’ camp
*Bandits’ attack on Police helicopter rebuffed
By Emma Okereh and Hassan Zaggi
A major victory against insurgency was re- corded yesterday when Special Operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by the Special Forces of the Police Airwing, stormed one of the largest operational camps of the Ansaru Terror Group (also housing other bandits and kidnappers) located in Kuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State successfully neutralising over 250 high-profile members of the terror group.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, the operation commenced yesterday’s early hours and included a combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forc es, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
He stated that “the operation was necessitated by ac- tionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the super camp to series of terror-related violence, kid- nappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across the country.
“Unfortunately, during the operation, a Police Bell heli- copter, 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 demon- strated 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”.
He added that the Police helicopter has been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police pilots to Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has assured citizens of safety and sustained intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of the nation.
Mba added that the IGP equally applauded the bravery, commitment and dedi- cation of the police operatives currently conducting the special mission.
