The Kaduna State Government has announced the killing of many bandits who were congregating in a location in a bid to carry out attacks on Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Tuesday, said the killing followed an air mission by the Nigerian Air Force over Kaduna-Abuja road and environs following credible intelligence report.

The statement recalled that the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had on Sunday received intelligence of bandits congregating at the outskirts of Kugu in Birnin Gwari LGA, which is also proximal to some villages in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

“On receipt of the intelligence – which was dispatched to the military and other security agencies for further confirmation and action – the NAF component of Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) mobilized for armed reconnaissance.

“The first mission was conducted over the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, Koriga, Polewire, Gagafada, Manini, Udawa, Labi, Buruku and adjoining settlements.

“The target location was acquired, and the bandits were engaged and neutralized accordingly at the outskirts of Kugu village.

“In a second mission, armed reconnaissance was carried out over the Kaduna-Abuja road, Olam Company, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire, Rijana, Kateri and Jere. Normal human and vehicular movements were observed.

“Receiving the feedback, Governor Nasir El-Rufai thanked the air component and all the agencies involved for the successful missions,” the statement noted.