TheCable

The Kaduna government says a group of bandits have been killed by troops of the Nigerian Air Force in the state. 

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the bandits were gathering to launch attacks on communities in Birnin LGA. 

According to him, the air force component of the operation Thunder Strike swung into action and cleared the bandits off the area. 

“The Nigerian Air Force in response to credible intelligence, neutralised a group of bandits congregating in a location to carry out attacks in Birnin Gwari LGA on Monday, 3rd May, 2021,” the commissioner said.  

“The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had on Sunday, 2nd May, 2021, received intelligence of bandits congregating at the outskirts of Kugu in Birnin Gwari LGA, which is also proximal to some villages in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. 

“On receipt of the intelligence — which was dispatched to the military and other security agencies for further confirmation and action — the NAF component of Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) mobilised for armed reconnaissance.

“The first mission was conducted over the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, Koriga, Polewire, Gagafada, Manini, Udawa, Labi, Buruku and adjoining settlements. The target location was acquired, and the bandits were engaged and neutralised accordingly at the outskirts of Kugu village. 

“In a second mission, armed reconnaissance was carried out over the Kaduna-Abuja road, Olam Company, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire, Rijana, Kateri and Jere. Normal human and vehicular movements were observed.” 

The commissioner said Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, thanked the air component and all the agencies involved for the successful operations.