Kaduna: NAF Pounds Bandits’ Hideouts, Kills Scores, Frees Hostages

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted aerial patrols over identified bandit enclaves across flash points in Kaduna State, killing several of the bandits and setting free some hostages.

The state governor, Nasir El-rufai, received the feedback from security operatives with gratitude, and commended the fighter crews for their precision and consistency in the aerial missions. This was contained in a statement yesterday by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, as part of a security update in the state.

“Details of these missions were made known via operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government. In the Kawara area of Igabi LGA, a strike was carried out on an identified bandit location. Three bandits were confirmed neutralised by the strike, and some kidnapped victims were, thus, able to escape from the general area, as was later confirmed by credible human intelligence sources on the ground.

“Similarly, in Walawa, Giwa LGA, an active location was targeted and struck successfully. In Chikun LGA, armed surveillance was carried out over Faka, Kangon Kadi, Damba, Ungwan Turai, Galbi, Gwagwada and environs. Terrorists were sighted about 4km Northwest of Godani, and were neutralised.

“In Kuduru, an active terrorists’ location was sighted and struck with rockets.

In Igabi LGA, operations were conducted over Riyawa, Alhaji Isiaka, Rima, Riyawa, Rumana, Ungwan Liman, Mai Gishiri and the Kaduna Airport area, with no significant activity noticed. A similar situation was obtained in Sabon Birnin, Anaba, Malumi, Wusono and Kerawa.

“Also covered by the aerial patrols were the Kaduna-Abuja road and rail line, as well as Jere, Katari, Olam Farms, Gwagwada, Sarkin Pawa, Abulo, Mangoro, Chikwale and environs. Normal human and vehicular activities were observed, with no threats encountered.

“The Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and adjoining areas were similarly covered: Buruku, Labi, Udawa, Manini and Polewire up to Kajuru, Jaka da Rabi and Maguzawa. Normal activities were observed during aerial patrols over Kajuru, Kankomi, Kutura, Kuzo, Ungwan Magami and Ruga areas. Ground and air patrols will continue in these and other locations,” the statement said.