Two Air Force personnel were killed when troops of 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment, Birnin Gwari engaged bandits in a gun battle in order to dismantle the bandits ambush Kawan Pole Waya, about 20km from Birnin Gwari along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement that the incident happened on Monday, 22 July 2019, at about 5pm.
He said, “gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush to the side of Birnin Gwari and called for reinforcement.”
“Unfortunately, 2 NAF personnel paid the supreme price in the process,” he said.
“The personnel, Flying Officer Abdulrahman Bayero and Aircraftman Saidu Bawa, are scheduled to be buried today in accordance with Islamic rites.”
He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had commiserated with the families of the fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.
“The CAS, who was at Birnin Gwari on Saturday, 20 July 2019, on an assessment visit, has urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements,” Daramola said.
