The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has continued aerial assaults on identified bandit enclaves around Kaduna State over the last week.
According to the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, this was disclosed in an operational feedback to the State Government.
He said a major enclave south of Kidandan, Giwa LGA, which was confirmed as the hideout of a bandit Alhaji Ganai, was struck and destroyed.
The bandit and several others were neutralized in the strike.
Aruwan added that the hideout of bandit Ali Kawaje in Birnin Gwari LGA was similarly targeted and destroyed, as well as those of bandits Musa Pajelo and Kachalla Bello.
He said targets were also engaged and destroyed in Walawa area, Fadaman Kanauta, and Kuduru where bandits were sighted and neutralized in locations 4km southwest of Alhaji Ishiaka, 6km northeast of Maguzawa, and 2km west of Yelwa.
Aruwan said several bandits were sighted and neutralized at Dankero, Giwa Local Government Area.
He said areas covered in Chikun Local Government Area include Gwagwada Forest, Kugosi, Godani, Twali, Gwagwada, Sarkin Pawa, Kabai, Kabusu Hills, Amara Hills, Sabon Gayan and Polewire.
The Commissioner said an active location was engaged and destroyed about 4km south of Godani.
He said armed reconnaissance was carried out over Rima, Riyawa, Rumana, the Kaduna Airport area and adjoining locations in Igabi Local Government Area.
Other areas covered by aerial patrols include Galadimawa, Kidandan, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, Manini, Kuduru, Yelwa and Sabon Birni, spanning Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Igabi LGAs.
Reconnaissance continued on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, Buruku, Kurmin Dande, Damba, Ungwan Yako, Udawa, Gagafada, and Kamfanin Doka.
Aruwan said the aerial missions extended to the Kaduna-Abuja Road and Railway, including Jaka da Rabi, Olam Farms, Rijana, Katari and Jere.
Normal human and vehicular activities were observed.
The same was the case in Hanawanka, Kukoki, Kadaga, Durumi, Pongu Geri and Kundu.
He said fighter jets maintained a presence over Ungwan Madaki in Kamazou, Chikun LGA.
Kutura, Iburu, Kajuru, Kachia and Kankomi were also covered.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai noted the report with gratitude, and praised the fighter crews for their thoroughness and consistency.
Ground and air patrols will continue in these and other locations around the State.
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