By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Air strikes from the air components of Operation Thunder Strike has neutralized several armed bandits operating in the Chikwale Forest area , West of Kaduna-Abuja Highway according to reports coming from the Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the Defence headquarters in Abuja.
The report contained in a press release signed by MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE, Coordinator Defence Media operation said the operation was executed on the 23rd of January 2021 after intelligence reports indicating the significant presence of armed bandits in the area.
The statement further said according the military dispatched the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.
The statement said in full:
“The Air Component of Operation THUNDER STRIKE has neutralized several armed bandits at Chikwale Forest in the Mangoro area of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State. The operation was executed yesterday, 23 January 2021, sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating the significant presence of armed bandits in the area, which is about 20Km West of the Kaduna-Abuja Highway. Accordingly, after series of confirmatory aerial surveillance missions, the Air Component dispatched an appropriate force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.
“Overhead the target area, the NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted scores of bandits, mounted on motorcycles and dressed in black attire, heading towards Niger State. The attack aircraft therefore took turns in engaging the bandits, who were seen firing at the attack helicopter as it strafed them. Several armed bandits were accordingly neutralized in the air strikes, while some escaped with various degrees of injuries. Meanwhile, aerial surveillance missions have been intensified, in coordination with ground troops, to locate the fleeing bandits.
“ The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will sustain the offensive against the enemies of our Nation. We shall not relent until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones of the Country. The statement said.
