NAF destroys more terrorists camps in Kaduna, kills bandits

Security has improved in Zamfara, says commissioner

Unspecified number of terrorists were killed in Kaduna State, at the weekend, following fresh raid by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that destroyed their camps and forced several others to flee with wounds.

The state government, yesterday, confirmed the fresh raid by the military on the bandits’ hideouts. In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed: “The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has continued aerial assaults on identified bandit enclaves around Kaduna since last week.

“According to an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, a major enclave south of Kidandan, Giwa Local Council, which was confirmed as the hideout of a bandit, Alhaji Ganai, was struck and destroyed. The bandit and several others were neutralised in the strike.”

He added that the hideout of Ali Kawaje in Birnin Gwari Local Council was targeted and destroyed, as well as those of Musa Pajelo and Kachalla Bello.

The statement reads: “Targets were also engaged and destroyed in Walawa area, Fadaman Kanauta and Kuduru. Bandits were sighted and neutralised in locations 4km south-west of Alhaji Ishiaka, 6km north-east of Maguzawa and 2km west of Yelwa.

“Several armed bandits were sighted and neutralised at Dankero in Giwa. Areas covered by the military onslaught in Chikun Local Council 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 4km south of Godani.”

The Guardian gathered that armed reconnaissance was carried out over Rima, Riyawa, Rumana, Kaduna Airport area and adjoining locations in Igabi Local Council. 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.

The security situation in Zamfara State has significantly improved, the state government has said. According to a statement, yesterday, by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, a survey conducted last week across the state shows that there has been little or no banditry activity in most of the local councils, except some isolated cases in parts of Bukkuyum, Gummi, Anka, Maru, Talata Mafara, Gusau and Maradun.

He stated: “The recent order by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, to security agencies to deal decisively with bandits in the North West and North Central states, as well as the synergy among security operatives have greatly helped in reducing the scale of banditry in Zamfara.

“The hitherto wave of attacks, killings, kidnappings and raping of women has drastically reduced and people are now seen carrying out their legitimate businesses in most parts of the state with relative ease, except in those places mentioned above.”

The commissioner urged security agencies and the Federal Government to continue supporting Governor Bello Matawalle’s resolve to restore lasting peace in the state. He assured the general public that Zamfara is on the path of peace and harmony.