The air component of Operation Whirl Punch that embarked on several missions in Kaduna has dislodged several bandits’ hideouts and which made it possible for 10 kidnapped victims to escape from captivity.
Samuel Aruwan, the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, disclosed this in a statement, adding that motorcycles and dangerous weapons were recovered during the raid.
Aruwan said following a credible intelligence of bandits gathering around Ukambo, Chikun Council, air platforms targeted the location and struck it successfully. Similarly, the hideouts of bandits identified as Alhaji Ishiaka (in Igabi Council ) and Dan Rani (in Birnin Gwari Council ) were targeted and destroyed with rockets.
“Furthermore, terrorists’ camps in Janbirni as well as Takaura, Kuyanbana forest, Birnin Gwari LGA were targeted and destroyed,” the commissioner added.
“The Kaduna State Government was also informed that ten kidnapped citizens have escaped from a bandit camp following armed reconnaissance conducted over Damari Forest in Birnin Gwari LGA.
“Four escaped victims, originally from Damari, have been identified as follows: Muhammadu Maitireda, Musa Adamu, Dahiru Garba and Badamasi Halilu
“The other six escaped citizens were identified as: Malam Alawiya, Maimuna, Adama, Garba Ahmad and Luka.
“The six were visiting Damari from a neighbouring state when they were kidnapped. All ten citizens have since been reunited with their families.
“In another development, troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted fighting patrols along the Gyam-Kuriga-Manini-Udawa-Buruku road in Birnin Gwari LGA.
“Contact was made with bandits around Labi Gyam. After a 25-minute exchange, the bandits withdrew from the area. The troops dislodged the camp and recovered one AK47 rifle, seven motorcycles, nine rounds of ammunition and one Baofeng radio charger,” the Commissioner said.