Operation Whirl Punch of the Nigerian Air Force killed scores of bandits on Wednesday after an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in the village of Sabon Layi, Birinin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said the military operation began at around 9:44 am on Wednesday, following a distressed call received by the ministry of Sabon Layi village being under heavy attack by bandits.
He said that Operation Whirl Punch’s air component was immediately contacted and the unit responded quickly to the location.
A large number of fleeing bandits were neutralized by air raids during military operations, according to the commissioner.
He said bandits were committing shootings, robbing livestock, looting property and other heinous crimes, causing panic among residents.
Aruwan said-
“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 kilometres 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 commissioner also quoted the state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in his speech. They both hailed the gallantry of the military in successfully neutralising the bandits during the operation.
He also added that –
“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 to the military for neutralising the fleeing bandits”.
cc: Punch Ng
