Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has killed no fewer than 82 bandits in Katsina and Zamfara states.
The two air interdictions were carried out at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State and Ajjah Forest in Zamfara on Monday.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Enenche said that the bandits were armed with very high calibre weapons, including Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns.
He said that while about 67 bandits were neutralised and several others injured in the air attack on Birnin Kogo forest, 15 others were killed at Ajjah forest.
Enenche said that both air strikes were executed sequel to credible intelligence and aerial surveillance missions that led to the identification of the two forest hideouts.
He disclosed that the two hideouts housed scores of the armed bandits along with hundreds of rustled cattle.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships were dispatched to attack the two locations.
They took turns in engaging the target areas, scoring accurate hits on the caves, which are used by the armed bandits to shield themselves from air strikes.
The Military High Command commends the troops and other security agencies operating in the North West zone for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in order to eradicate all armed bandits.
Members of the public within the affected areas are please requested to promptly report any person with suspicious injuries to the nearest security or law enforcement agency post, he said.
Source: NAN News