The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has killed bandit leader Alhaji Shanono and 18 others in Kaduna.

NAF’s spokesman Edward Gabkwet announced this in a statement on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the bandits were killed following sustained air operations in the North-West. According to him, no less than 26 kidnapped victims held by the insurgents were freed following the airstrikes.

He added that the Chief of Air Staff, Oladayo Amao, commended troops for the sustained airstrikes against bandits operating in the zone.

“One of such strikes, which occurred on August 9, resulted in the elimination of a well-known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna state. Indeed, following receipt of intelligence on same day, that a well-known insurgents kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna,” said the NAF statement.

It added, “The air component of operation ‘Whirl Punch’ dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location. Overhead the location, insurgents were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground, and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorisation to strike.”

According to the statement, feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed, and about 18 insurgents, including Mr Shanono, were killed.

(NAN)