Troops of Operation Thunder Strike have neutralised several bandits during joint land and air operations conducted across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, following a security briefing received from the troops.
According to the statement, NAF platforms conducted armed reconnaissance on Monday over Albasu, Rahama, Sabon Birni, Rikau, Fadama Kanauta, Galadimawa, Kaya, Kidandan and Yadi.
Other locations include Dogon Dawa, Ngede Allah, Damari, Saulawa, Takama, Kuduru, Ungwan Yako, and the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road area.
The statement noted that the bandits were sighted by the fighter jet crew at Yadi, and the location was robustly engaged, with several bandits neutralized.
It added that along the track connecting Kuduru and Ungwan Yako, some bandits were sighted with rustled cattle, and were neutralized.
However, other locations covered appeared calm with normal activities, as ground troops conducted clearance operations in Sabon Birni and Dogon Dawa.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai while expressing satisfaction at the success of the ongoing operations, commended the armed forces for sustaining the offensives on identified bandit enclaves obtained via credible intelligence.
The governor encouraged citizens to cooperate with the security forces by volunteering information on suspicious activities and hideouts, for decisive action towards vanquishing the criminals.
“The Government of Kaduna State mourns with the families that lost their loved ones on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, and prays for the repose of their souls, while wishing a speedy recovery to those receiving medical attention.
“The Kaduna State Government will continue to engage elected representatives of the front line locations, comprising Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders.
“These interactions will be for sharing details and fostering collaborations for peace and security,” the statement said.
