By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has continued aerial assaults on identified bandit enclaves around Kaduna State over the last week.

This is according to a statement on Sunday, by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

He said according to an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, a major enclave south of Kidandan, Giwa LGA, which was confirmed as the hideout of a bandit, Alhaji Ganai, was struck and destroyed. The bandit and several others were neutralized in the strike.

Aruwan said the hideout of bandit Ali Kawaje in Birnin Gwari LGA was similarly targeted and destroyed, as well as those of bandits Musa Pajelo and Kachalla Bello.

“Targets were also engaged and destroyed in Walawa area, Fadaman Kanauta, and Kuduru. Bandits were sighted and neutralized in locations 4 kilometre (KM) southwest of Alhaji Ishiaka, 6 km northeast of Maguzawa, and 2 km west of Yelwa.

“Several armed bandits were sighted and neutralized at Dankero, Giwa LGA.

“Areas covered in Chikun LGA include Gwagwada Forest, Kugosi, Godani, Twali, Gwagwada, Sarkin Pawa, Kabai, Kabusu Hills, Amara Hills, Sabon Gayan and Polewire. An active location was engaged and destroyed about 4 km south of Godani,” the Commissioner said.

The commissioner further stated that armed reconnaissance was carried out over Rima, Riyawa, Rumana, the Kaduna Airport area and adjoining locations in Igabi LGA.

According to him, 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 LGAs.

He said reconnaissance 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.

“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,” he added.

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