Victor Akaa, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force of Operation Thunder Strike has neutralized several armed bandits at Chikwale Forest in the Mangoro area of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj Gen. John Enenche said in a statement relayed to Enugu Reporters that the operation was executed yesterday, 23 January 2021.
According to Gen. Enenche ,the operation was conducted sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating the significant presence of bandits in the area, which is about 20Km West of the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted scores of bandits, mounted on motorcycles and dressed in black attire, heading towards Niger State.
“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.”
He added that the attack aircraft therefore took turns in engaging the bandits, who were seen firing at the attack helicopter as it strafed them.
“Several 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.”
