In separate aerial missions, the Nigerian Armed forces under Operation Thunder Strike, OPTS, have combed Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna State, neutralising many fleeing bandits.
Spokesman Samuel Aruwan disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to him, the bandits were sighted fleeing from the aircraft where they were engaged and neutralized.
The statement said: “Several bandits were neutralized as air platforms conducted armed reconnaissance over locations in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas.
“The bandits were sighted at a location 6km west of Anaba which was then engaged with rockets. After the strike, fleeing bandits were mopped up with cannons.
“Other locations were reported calm with no suspicious activity, such as Rikau, Galadimawa, Kidandan and Yadi, Polewire, Crossing Point, Gagafada, Manini, Udawa, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and Ungwan Yako,” the statement added.
Mr Aruwan confirmed that no threats were observed in the follow up missions.
He said: “Thorough scans were conducted over Anaba, Dogon Dawa, Dan Sadau and environs with no significant movement observed.
“In a third mission, close air support was provided to troops of Operation Taimako Yazo around Buruku and its environs.
“Rahama, Albasu, Sabon Birni, Kutemeshi, Rikau, Galadimawa, Kaya, Fatika, Kidandan, Dogon Dawa, Kuduru, Damari, Takama, Maidaro and environs were similarly scanned,” he added.
The spokesman quoted Governor Nasir El-Rufai who “thanked the crew and troops for their consistency” and “commended them for another round of successful missions.”
