*Group shoot Police helicopter with GPMG, Pilot escape death
Following the formation of a terrorists group tagged ‘ANSARU’, Police Special Forces, backed police helicopters, Wednesday, invade their camp in Birnin Gwari forest in Kaduna state, killing over 250 members.
The group also shot one Bell aerial surveillance helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Police with a General Purpose Machine Gun, but the Police Pilot maneuvered the helicopter to land safely
ANSARU in recent time, have been mobilizing and terrorizing Nigerians the North West.
Force headquarters in statement detailing the Police offensive, signed by DCP Frank Mba said, “Special Operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by the Special Forces of the Police Airwing, in a daring offensive operation, 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 and successfully neutralized over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru Terror Group.
“The operation which commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, 5th February, 2020, was carried out by a combined team 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).
He said, “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.
“The Police helicopter has since been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police Pilots en-route to Abuja.
“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 mission.”
