Air platforms supported ground troops in joint patrols on Monday, as four missions were carried out across locations spanning Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun local government areas.
As contained in the operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, Kabula, Muya and Dankwala were covered following reports that bandits with rustled cattle were sighted at these locations.
Armed reconnaissance was then conducted over Sarkin Pawa, Kwakwau, Beni, Kudame, Sikiti, Abulo, Gidan Amale, Old Dakolo, New Dakolo, Rishi, Akilbu, Kuna, Rugu and Kuzo.
These locations were observed to be calm, as confirmed by ground troops at Sarkin Pawa in Niger State.
During another mission, armed bandits were sighted with herds of cattle just north of Gidan Audu, and were engaged with rockets. A second pass was conducted southwest of the location, with more bandits neutralized.
Similarly, ground troops reported movement of armed bandits with cattle at Gbakopai. They were engaged and neutralized by the fighter jet crew.
The crew then carried out Armed reconnaissance over the Kaduna-Abuja highway, with free flowing traffic and normal activities observed. Such was also the case at Rijana, Polewaya, Akilbu, Katari, Jere, Zuba and environs.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his gratitude to the troops and fighter jet crews on the successful joint patrol, and encouraged them to keep up the stellar work in denying the bandits freedom of action.
Air and ground patrols will continue in these areas and other locations of interest across the state.
