The 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna has commenced a special operation, code-named, `Ex-Harbin Kunama II’ in Southern Kaduna.

Spokesman of the Division, Colonel Kingsley Umoh, said in Kaduna that the special operation was also being conducted in Falgore forest in Kano State, saying the exercise was among others, aimed at further decimating and flushing out criminals especially armed bandits and cattle rustlers.

He said it was also to halt farmers/herdsmen clashes and other communla clashes in the two states.

Furthermore, the operation is to bolster the confidence of the people to go about their daily lives unhindered under the security umbrella of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

Umoh appealed to the general public not to panic on noticing increased movement of troops, amoured tanks and sound of gun fire during the operation, which commenced on April 10.

The spokesman assured that measures had been taken to protect civilians from harm as a result of the exercise.