The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)  has successfully neutralised various fleeing terrorists at a location in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna.

On Wednesday, a statement by the Commissioner of internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan stated, “At around 9:44am, the Ministry received a distress call of armed bandits attacking Sabon Layi village in Birnin Gwari LGA.

The commissioner revealed that the bandits had committed various hideous crimes which left residents unsafe and as a result, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch had been contacted for action.

“It was confirmed that the bandits were shooting, rustling cattle, looting properties and committing other heinous crimes, a situation which had residents scampering for safety.

“Immediately, the air component of operation Whirl Punch was contacted for action, and the unit responded promptly to the location.

“On arrival at Sabon Layi, a thorough scan revealed normal human activities at the reported location. However, about four kilometers North of Sabon Layi village, the bandits were sighted fleeing for cover from the aircraft. They were engaged and neutralised in several passes.

“No further movement was observed after the strike. The aircraft sustained its presence overhead before withdrawing.

The statement said that Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna state governor appreciated the Air Force for its prompt action in neutralising the fleeing bandits.

“While the government awaits a formal report on the initial attack in Sabon Layi village, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has praised the air component for the prompt action, and conveyed his gratitude for neutralising the fleeing bandits”.