NAF neutralises over 100 bandits, police rescue kidnap victims in Katsina

More than 100 suspected bandits have been neutralised during an air raid by operatives of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in Kuka Shidda Camp, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A statement by spokesperson for the state governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the operation, which was carried out in the night, was conducted as part of ongoing Operation Hadarin Daji.

It added that the operation targeted a criminal group affiliated with notorious terrorist kingpin Yusuf Yello and his close associates, and that more than 45 motorcycles were destroyed during the airstrikes.

The airstrike is the third of its kind carried out by NAF in recent weeks in the state, in which several suspected bandits have been neutralised.

“The Nigerian Air Force has neutralised

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in another air raid, successfully neutralised over 100 bandits during a nighttime operation in Kuka Shidda Camp, Faskari LGA, Katsina State.

“The operation, conducted as part of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeted a criminal group affiliated with notorious terrorists kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani. Over 45 motorcycles were also destroyed during the airstrikes.

“This is the third successful air raid in the Faskari-Kankara axis in recent times, significantly disrupting bandit activities in the area.”

The statement also said that security operatives have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt Sunday morning in Kwata area, Jibia council area.

It said a credible police source disclosed that a distress call regarding the abduction of some residents in the area was received around 4:15 am.

He said a Superintendent of Police led an Armoured Personnel Vehicle (APC) patrol team to the scene, and that they arrived to find armed bandits holding three women captive.

“Acting swiftly, the team blocked the kidnappers’ escape route, leading to a confrontation. A gunfight ensued, pressuring the criminals to flee.

“Thankfully, all three kidnap victims – Ummulkhari Abubakar, 23, Shafa’atu Abubakar, 35, and Maryam Lawal, 15– were rescued unharmed.

“The team also ensured the safety of a six-month-old baby boy named Ismail Usman, who was among the abducted.”