Fighter jets have killed several bandits in six locations across Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state, just as residents captured two suspected bandits in Chikun after a failed attempted kidnapping.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said in Kaduna on Saturday that several bandits were neutralised at a bandit settlements in Sani Maichuku, while others were sighted with herd of cattle at Alhaji Chokri and neutralised by the troops.
“In continuation of offensives over identified bandit hideouts, air platforms conducted armed missions over locations in Birnin Gwari local government area.
“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, armed reconnaissance was carried out over Sani Maichuku, Alhaji Chorki, Sangeku, Zabiya, Dutsen Magaji, Kotonkoro and adjoining settlements.
“At Sani Maichuku, several bandit settlements were sighted, and were engaged as some bandits attempted to escape on three motorcycles.
“Similarly, at Alhaji Chokri, bandits were sighted on five motorcycles with herds of cattle, and were duly neutralized by the fighter jet crew. Communication was maintained with ground troops particularly at Zabiya and Gwaska; no suspicious activity was reported in those locations.
“In another development, the military under the auspices of Operation Thunder Strike, reported that suspected bandits attacked some farmers in a community off the Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun local government area.
“According to the report, villagers pursued and apprehended two of the suspects. However, due to the severe beating administered by the villagers, one of the suspects died from the injuries sustained. The other remains in critical condition, in the custody of the troops.
“Responding to the feedback, Governor Nasir el-Rufai commended the military for another successful round of operations in the Birnin Gwari area, and praised their sustained efforts to deny bandits freedom of action.
“The g
overnor also enjoined communities to embrace full recourse to the law in cooperating with security operatives, stressing that self-help is always a dangerous option.”
