The Kaduna Government says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike has neutralised bandits in aerial missions in Chikun, Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.
According to the statement, “The air component of Operation Thunder Strike conducted a series of aerial missions across several locations, as reported in operational feedback from NAF to the Kaduna State Government.
”The armed reconnaissance was conducted over Erena, Kusasu, Kuduru, Kulefe, Kusherki and Shiroro in neighbouring Niger State as well as Chikun and environs, in Chikun local government area.
“Bandits were seen fleeing part of Kusasu in Chikun LGA of the state on motorcycles. They were trailed by the crew and subsequently neutralised.”
The Statement said; ”Normal activities have been restored following the armed reconnaissance conducted on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Olam Farms, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire Rijana, Katari, Jere and adjoining settlements.
“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.”
ALSO READ: NAF reaffirms commitment to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity
It said; “Free flow of traffic was similarly observed along the expressways and rail line. Normal activities were reported within the metropolis as citizens observed the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations without 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.
“These air operations, which include air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and patrols are set to be sustained over the coming days over Kaduna metropolis and other areas of interest in the state.
“Major highways will also be covered, including the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria, Kaduna-Kachia and Kaduna-Afaka roads.”
Receiving the feedback, the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai commended the crews for the successful missions.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
