By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Air strikes from the air components of Operation Hadarin Daji operating in the North-West has neutralized scores of armed bandits in the Birnin Kogo forest and Ajjah forest in Katsina and Zamfara states respectively.
According to a report from the defence Media Operations (DMO) of the defence Headquarters in Abuja, about 67 bandits, were neutralised in Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State while 15 armed bandits were eliminated at Ajjah Forest in Zamfara State.
The report said both air strikes were carried out on the 23rd of November 2020.
The report contained in a press release signed by MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations reads in full:
“No fewer than 67 bandits, armed with very high calibre weapons, including Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns, have been neutralised and several others injured in air interdiction missions executed by the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State. In the same vein, about 15 armed bandits were eliminated in air strikes conducted by the Air Component at Ajjah Forest in Zamfara State. Both air strikes were carried out yesterday, 23 November 2020, sequel to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as aerial surveillance missions that led to the identification of the 2 forest hideouts, which housed scores of the armed bandits along with hundreds of rustled cattle.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships dispatched by the Air Component to attack the 2 locations 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 persons with suspicious injuries to the nearest security or law enforcement agency post. The statement said.
