Bandits have killed five persons in separate attacks in the Giwa and Zango-Kataf local government areas of Kaduna, while three persons were injured.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwa, in a statement, on Monday said bandits raided local joints in Wawan Rafi village, in the Zango-Kataf LGA, during which the killed one John Isah, injuring three other persons – Fidelix Jacob, Abraham Isah and Philemon Adamu.
Aruwan also said security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles with over 40 rounds of ammunition from two persons in the area.
“The security agencies added that two AK-47 rifles were recovered along with over 43 rounds of ammunition from two individuals, Malachi Akut and Gabas Gaje. They were immediately arrested,” he said.
He added that some restive youths, however, protested against the arrest of the two, thereby aiding their escape.
The statement also said scores of bandits were neutralised by the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike in four local government areas of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun.
According to the commissioner, scores of villagers including women and children were kidnapped by the bandits.
Aruwan said the security operatives told the government that the bandits attacked Garawa village of Fatika District, Giwa LGA, killing one Alhaju Saadu, while some citizens were kidnapped.
He added that the bandits raided Doka village and abducted some residents.
“In Angwan Dan Yaya village of the same district, one resident Alhaji Suleiman Audu was shot dead by bandits,” he added.
He added that the air component of the military attacked bandits’ hideouts in four LGAs, neutralising several bandits.
The commissioner said, “Air platforms conducted armed reconnaissance over Sabon Birnin, Rikau, Kaya, Kerawa, Galadimawa, Fatika, Kidandan, Saulawa, Dogon Dawa, Ngade Allah, Kuduru, Yadi, Damari, Takama, Sabuwa, Ungwar Yako and its connecting track to Kuduru, as well as the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road all of Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi and Giwa local government areas.
“According to the operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, Rikau was observed to be active with bandits. The location was engaged accordingly, with several bandits neutralised.
“Similarly, about three kilometres southeast of Saulawa, bandits were seen fleeing from the air raid with herds of cattle. They were engaged and neutralised.
“At Maganda, two bandits were engaged and neutralised as they tried to escape the notice of the fighter jet crew.”
