Kaduna: Deadly bandit leader behind killings, abductions killed in air strike

Rufai Maikaji, a bandit leader, and members of his gang have been killed in Malul Forest, Igabi LGA of Kaduna state.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said this on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said: “After painstaking checks with security agencies, and careful exploitation of numerous intelligence sources, the Kaduna State government can authoritatively confirm that ‘Rufai Maikaji’, a deadly bandit has been neutralised.

“Maikaji commanded more than a hundred fighters.”

Aruwan said the aerial mission which led to Maikaji’s death was conducted towards the end of February.

“On sighting ground troops, ‘Maikaji’ and bandits under his command, escaped from Anaba village of Igabi Local Government Area where they killed some citizens, burnt houses and kidnapped some locals,” he said.

“From further checks, ‘Maikaji’ and his group were confirmed to be responsible for the killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling in many communities in Giwa, Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas.

“They are also responsible for the same crimes in Iyatawa, Garke, Kumfa, Bakali, Karau-karau, Galadimawa, Anaba, Kerawa, Hashimawa, Sabon Birni, Buruku and parts of Chikun axis of Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.”

Aruwan said the gang leader started out as an errand boy of bandits in Sabon Birni.

“From this position, he grew to become a household name in banditry,” he said.

“The aggressive pursuit of other accomplices who escaped the onslaught is in full swing and they will be caught sooner than later.”