By JULIUS TOBA-JEGEDE

Troops of the 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday foiled an ambush by a group of armed bandits at Ungwan Laya near Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, killing many of them.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the troops were able to beat their ways through the ambush, killing several of the bandits who were over 100 in number.

He, however, added that some gallant personnel of the Nigerian Air force involved in the operation lost their lives, while others sustained injuries and currently receiving treatments.

According to him, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has expressed his condolences to the family of the gallant officers who paid the supreme price.

He said the Chief of Air Staff had also visited the injured personnel in the hospital with a message of hope and assurance in the service of their fatherland.

“The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush killing dozens of bandits in the process.

“Unfortunately, some NAF personnel paid the supreme price during the operation, while a few others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Hospital in Kaduna.

“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls peaceful repose.

“The CAS, who visited the injured personnel in the hospital this evening, has urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements,” he said.