‘Bandits’ killed as troops conduct air operations in Kaduna

The Kaduna government says two groups of bandits have been killed and their camps destroyed, following a raid by officers of the Nigerian Air Force. 

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Aruwan said the bandits were killed during several missions conducted by the air force component of operation Thunder Strike.

“Armed reconnaissance was conducted over Erena, Kusasu, Kuduru, Kulefe, Kusherki and Shiroro in neighboring Niger State as well as Chikun and environs, in Chikun local government area,” Aruwan said.

“Bandits were seen fleeing Kaduna State part of Kusasu (in Chikun LGA) on motorcycles. They were trailed by the crew and subsequently neutralised.

“Following this, armed reconnaissance was conducted along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Olam Farms, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire Rijana, Katari, Jere and adjoining settlements.

“Normal human activities and free flow of traffic were observed along the highway and rail line. All locations scanned were reported calm with no threats observed.

“Additionally, strike aircraft carried out operations over Jan Birni, Birnin Gwari local government area, which was observed to be active with bandits.

“The targets were attacked by the aircraft, and was subsequently confirmed that some bandits were indeed taken out and the camp set ablaze and destroyed.

“A second mission was flown over another identified camp in the area, which was also attacked, set ablaze and completely destroyed by two strike aircraft.

“Thereafter, a show-of-force was carried out by the aircraft over the Birnin Gwari general area, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Normal human activities were observed along the expressways and rail lines.

“The operations continued as aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance and show-of-force over Birnin Gwari, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Free flow of traffic was similarly observed along the expressways and rail line.”

Aruwan said following the operation, normal activities were restored in areas which enabled the residents to celebrate Eid al-Fitr without any disturbing incident.

“Afterwards, a show-of-force was conducted over Gwagwada, Gadani, Chikun, Kusasu, Iburu, Zamba, Shiroro, Kuta, Kwatayi and Erena, spanning Chikun, Kachia and Kajuru LGAs. All locations covered were reported calm with no threats observed,” Aruwan added.

The commissioner noted that the air operations will be sustained in Kaduna metropolis and other areas of interest in the state.

He said major highways will also be covered, including Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria, Kaduna-Kachia, and Kaduna-Afaka roads.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, thanked the troops for the proactive and successful operations.