Kaduna State Government on Tuesday said several bandits were neutralized in an air raid over locations in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas.
The State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said troops under the auspices of “Operation Thunder Strike” had briefed the Kaduna State Government on joint land and air operations conducted at identified bandits’ locations across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas.
Aruwan said operational feedbacks from the security agencies showed that the Nigeria Air Force platforms conducted armed reconnaissance on Monday over Albasu, Rahama, Sabon Birni, Rikau, Fadama Kanauta, Galadimawa, Kaya, Kidandan, Yadi, Dogon Dawa, Ngede Allah, Damari, Saulawa, Takama, Kuduru, Ungwan Yako, and the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road area.
He said bandits were sighted by the fighter jet crew at Yadi, and the location was robustly engaged, with several bandits neutralized.
He further stated that along the track connecting Kuduru and Ungwan Yako, bandits were sighted with rustled cattle, and were also neutralized.
Aruwan added that other locations covered appeared calm with normal activities, as ground troops conducted clearance operations in Sabon Birni and Dogon Dawa.
He said Governor Nasir el-Rufai expressed satisfaction at the success of the ongoing operations and commended the armed forces for sustaining the offensives on identified bandits’ enclaves obtained via credible intelligence.
The Governor encouraged citizens to cooperate with the security forces by volunteering information on suspicious activities and hideouts, for decisive action towards vanquishing the criminals.
He said that the Government of Kaduna State mourned with the families that lost their loved ones on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing a speedy recovery to those receiving medical attention.
Aruwan stated that the Kaduna State Government would continue to engage elected representatives of the frontline locations, comprising Senators, members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders.
He said these interactions would be for sharing details and fostering collaborations for peace and security.
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