Several armed bandits been neutralised by troops of operation THUNDER STRIKE at Chikwale forest in Mangoro Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation was executed on 23 January 2021, sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating the significant presence of armed bandits in the area, which is about 20Km West of the Kaduna-Abuja Highway.
A signed statement by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche made available to Channel Network Afrique stated that 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 said, overhead the target area, the NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted scores of bandits, mounted on motorcycles and dressed in black attire, heading towards Niger State.
“The attack aircraft therefore took turns in engaging the bandits, who were seen firing at the attack helicopter as it strafed them. Several armed 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” Enenche added.