By Sarauniya Usman, Abuja
The Land and Air Components of Operation THUNDER STRIKE has cleared identified bandits’ camp around Kuku area of Kagarko Local Government Area along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway axis of Kaduna State.
According to a Release signed by
Major General,Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, John Enenche, stated that the operation of several armed bandits camps was neutralised in a joint offensive operation yesterday, 17 November 2020, on the heels of credible Human Intelligence reports indicating that a cluster of huts and other structures at the location served as hideout for a notorious bandits’ leader, named “Major”, along with his fighters.
It also stated that,the first wave of the Air Component’s air strikes, which involved 6 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft undertaking 5 missions in a total of 13 sorties, commenced at dawn and targeted the cluster of huts housing “Major”. The attack aircraft hit some of the target structures and neutralised some of the bandits.
According to the statement, the second wave of attacks was executed by NAF helicopter gunships, while engaging the bandits’ location, also provided close air support to the Land Component as they advanced from Kagarko via Kuku into the bandits’ enclave.
“This paved way for the ground troops to overrun and destroy the camps without effective resistance from the bandits. A NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft remained airborne providing situational awareness for the troops throughout the operation”.
It also stated that, the Military High Command also commends the Land and Air Components for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in the conduct of operations in order to eradicate all armed bandits.
Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria sincerely appreciates the continued support and cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, as it keeps up the tempo of operations to defeat all enemies of the Nation.
It also,”request for dissemination of information and show attached declassified short video clip of the operation through mediums for the awareness of the general public”.
End….
