Air strikes on identified bandit hideouts across Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna state have enabled 10 kidnapped citizens to escape, while troops dislodge a camp and recovered motorcycles and weapons in Birnin Gwari.
The Kaduna state government said in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, that the air component of Operation Whirl Punch had reported several missions conducted at various locations of interest in frontline areas.
The statement read in part, “According to the reports, following credible intelligence of bandits gathering around Ukambo, Chikun LGA, air platforms targeted the location and struck it successfully. Similarly, the hideouts of bandits identified as Alhaji Ishiaka (in Igabi LGA) and Dan Rani (in Birnin Gwari LGA) were targeted and destroyed with rockets.
“Furthermore, terrorist camps in Janbirni as well as Takaura, Kuyanbana Forest, Birnin Gwari LGA were targeted and destroyed.
“The Kaduna state government was also informed that 10 kidnapped citizens have escaped from a bandit camp following armed reconnaissance conducted over Damari Forest in Birnin Gwari LGA.
“Four escaped victims, originally from Damari, have been identified as Muhammadu Maitireda, Musa Adamu, Dahiru Garba and Badamasi Halilu. The other six escaped citizens were identified as: Malam Alawiya, Maimuna, Adama, Garba, Ahmad and Luka. The six were visiting Damari from a neighbouring state when they were kidnapped. All 10 citizens have since been reunited with their families.
“In another development, troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted fighting patrols along the Gyam-Kuriga-Manini-Udawa-Buruku road in Birnin Gwari LGA. “Contact was made with bandits around Labi Gyam. After a 25-minute exchange, the bandits withdrew from the area. The troops dislodged the camp and recovered one AK47 rifle, seven motorcycles, nine rounds of ammunition and one Baofeng radio charger.”
Aruwan said further that ground and air patrols would continue in the areas.
