The Kaduna State government said the air component of Operation Whirl Punch has sustained its aerial assaults on identified bandit enclaves around Kaduna State.
A statement issued by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan explained that according to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, a major enclave south of Kidandan, in Giwa LGA, which was confirmed as the hideout of the bandit Alhaji Ganai, was struck and destroyed, with the bandit and several others neutralized in the strike.
The statement affirmed that the hideout of another bandit, Ali Kawaje, in Birnin Gwari LGA was similarly targeted and destroyed, as well as those of bandits Musa Pajelo and Kachalla Bello.
According to the statement: “Targets were also engaged and destroyed in Walawa area, Fadaman Kanauta and Kuduru. Bandits were sighted and neutralized in locations, 4km Southwest of Alhaji Ishiaka, 6km northeast of Maguzawa, and 2km west of Yelwa.”
It added: “Several armed bandits were sighted and neutralized at Dankero, Giwa LGA.”
Areas covered in Chikun LGA, according to the statement, include Gwagwada forest, Kugosi, Godani, Twali, Gwagwada, Sarkin Pawa, Kabai, Kabusu hills, Amara hills, Sabon Gayan and Polewire.
Furthermore, the statement said that armed reconnaissance was carried out over Rima, Riyawa, Rumana, the Kaduna Airport area and adjoining locations in Igabi LGA.
Per the statement, other areas covered by aerial patrols include Galadimawa, Kidandan, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, Manini, Kuduru, Yelwa and Sabon Birni, spanning Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Igabi local government areas.
The statement also affirmed that reconnaissance is continued along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, Buruku, Kurmin Dande, Damba, Ungwan Yako, Udawa, Gagafada, and Kamfanin Doka.
“The aerial missions extended to the Kaduna-Abuja Road and railway, including Jaka da Rabi, Olam Farms, Rijana, Katari and Jere. Normal human and vehicular activities were observed. The same was the case in Hanawanka, Kukoki, Kadaga, Durumi, Pongu Geri and Kundu,” the statement explained.
It stated that fighter jets maintained a presence over Ungwan Madaki in Kamazou, Chikun LGA. Kutura, Iburu, Kajuru, Kachia and Kankomi were also covered.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai noted the report with gratitude and praised the fighter crews for their thoroughness and consistency.
Ground and air patrols will continue in these and other locations around the state.
