TheCable

The Nigerian air force (NAF) says it lost two of its personnel in a gun duel with bandits at Kawan Pole Waya in Kaduna state.

Ibikunle Daramola, director of NAF’s public relations and information, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Daramola, the incident occurred on Monday when troops of 271 NAF detachment dismounted an ambush set up by suspected bandits at Kawan Pole Waya, along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road.

He gave the names of the deceased as Abdulrahman Bayero, flying officer and Saidu Bawa, aircraft man.

“The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush to the side of Birnin Gwari and called for reinforcement,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, two NAF personnel paid the supreme price in the process.”

He said the late personnel would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The spokesman added that Sadiq Abubakar, the chief of air staff , commiserated with the families of the officers “on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of NAF”.

He said Abubakar urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously and in synergy with sister services and other security agencies to rid the north-west of all criminal elements.