Towards checkmating armed banditry in Zamfara state, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) team operating in the state has successfully repelled attacks by scores of the bandits who attempted to invade Hayin Mahe and Hayin Kanawa Villages in Gusau Local Government Area.
At the end of one of the counter attacks and exchange of gunfire, five (5) of the bandits were killed while others escaped into the bush.
According to the Airforce Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, “The operation, which took place on Sunday, 31 March 2019, was conducted sequel to intelligence reports indicating that the bandits, who operate from Sububu and Kagara Forests, had attacked the villages and kidnapped some of its inhabitants.
He said, “The timely response of the SF team resulted in a gun duel with the bandits who eventually fled into the forest.
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“The gallant NAF SF personnel pursued the bandits into the forest, overpowering them and neutralizing 5 bandits, while many others were observed to have run away with various gunshot wounds.
“Three AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered in the process.
“Some villagers, who were kidnapped by the fleeing bandits, including 2 women and a child, were freed and handed over to the District Head of Mada Town.
Similarly he said, “In a follow-up operation, the NAF SF Team returned to the communities to prevent reprisal attacks by the criminals as well as reassure the populace of their safety.
“The Team, supported by an NAF Alpha Jet and attack helicopters, tracked the fleeing armed bandits to their hideouts within Sububu Forest.
“The Alpha Jet successfully attacked the armed bandits’ camps while the helicopters scanned the environs for fleeing elements.
“The local populace was seen expressing confidence by cheering at the helicopters overhead their communities.
“The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the area.”
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