..neutralizes several armed bandits
…destroys terrorists’ camp
By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Air components of Operation Thunder Strike has destroyed another terrorist camp in the Kusasu area of Kaduna State according to the latest report from the Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the defence headquarters, Abuja.
The report made available on Monday said several armed bandits were also neutralized in the clearance operation.
The report contained in a Press release signed by MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations said the air strikes were executed on the 6th of December 2020, after credible Intelligence reports, led to the identification of the camp of a bandits’ leader known as ALHAJI LABI, an associate of DOGON GEDE, a notorious bandits’ leader in Katsina State.
The statement reads in full:
“ In continuation of its sustained efforts to rid Kaduna State and its environs of armed bandits and other criminal elements, the Air Component of Operation THUNDER STRIKE has obliterated another camp and neutralized several armed bandits at the Kusasu Area of Kaduna State.
“This was achieved through air strikes executed yesterday, 6 December 2020, after Human Intelligence reports, corroborated by series of aerial surveillance missions, led to the identification of the camp of a bandits’ leader known as Alhaji Labi, an associate of Dogon Gede, a notorious bandits’ leader in Katsina State.
“ Accordingly, 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, significant presence of the bandits, along with a large number of rustled cattle, was observed. The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the location, delivering devastating hits which destroyed the bandits’ structures, including their logistics storage facilities, which were seen engulfed in flames. Several armed bandits were also killed in the attack.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies remained resolute in the fight against banditry and other sundry crimes and will not relent until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones of the country”. The statement concluded.
