The operatives of Operation Whirl Punch, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have destroyed scores of bandits’ hideouts in some Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed this via a statement issued on Friday, said the hideouts of bandits, identified as Alhaji Ishiaka in Igabi LGA, and Dan Rani in Birnin Gwari LGA, were targeted and destroyed with rockets.

Aruwan said terrorist camps in Janbirni, Takaura, and Kuyanbana forest in  Birnin Gwari LGA were also targeted and destroyed by the airforce officers.

The commissioner noted that 10 kidnapped victims escaped from a bandit camp following armed reconnaissance conducted over Damari Forest in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

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He listed the escaped victims to include Muhammadu Maitireda, Musa Adamu, Dahiru Garba, Badamasi Halilu, and Malam Alawiya.

Others were Maimuna, Adama, Garba, Ahmad, and Luka.

Aruwan, however, stated that the escaped victims have since been reunited with their families.

The commissioner added that the troops of Operation Forest Sanity, Nigerian Army, conducted fighting patrols along the Gyam-Kuriga-Manini-Udawa-Buruku Road in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Contact was made with bandits around Labi Gyam. After a 25-minute exchange, the bandits withdrew from the area.

“The troops dislodged the camp and recovered one AK47 rifle, seven motorcycles, nine rounds of ammunition, and one Baofeng radio charger.

“Ground and air patrols will continue in these areas,” he said.

The Star