The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday said scores of bandits who were gathering in readiness for an attack on Birnin Gwari have been neutralised by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, NAF responded to credible intelligence shared with the state government on the movement of the bandits.
The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force in response to credible intelligence, neutralized a group of bandits congregating in a location to carry out attacks in Birnin Gwari LGA on Monday 3rd May 2021.
“The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had on Sunday 2nd May 2021 received intelligence of bandits congregating at the outskirts of Kugu in Birnin Gwari LGA, which is also proximal to some villages in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.
“On receipt of the intelligence – which was dispatched to the military and other security agencies for further confirmation and action – the NAF component of Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) mobilized for armed reconnaissance.
“The first mission was conducted over the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, Koriga, Polewire, Gagafada, Manini, Udawa, Labi, Buruku and adjoining settlements. The target location was acquired, and the bandits were engaged and neutralized accordingly at the outskirts of Kugu village.
“In a second mission, armed reconnaissance was carried out over the Kaduna-Abuja road, Olam Company, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire, Rijana, Kateri and Jere. Normal human and vehicular movements were observed.
“Receiving the feedback, Governor Nasir El-Rufai thanked the air component and all the agencies involved for the successful missions.”
