Seven people have been killed by bandits and several more injured with properties destroyed and cattle rustled in a series of separate attacks occurring in Igabi, Giwa and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna.
Meanwhile, ground and Air patrols conduct sweeping missions across Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa and Chikun local government areas killing several bandits and destroying camps.
Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made these known in a statement on Thursday.
In the first incident, bandits stormed Gangi village of Igabi local government and started shooting sporadically in what seemed to be a cattle rustling operation.
According to Aruwan, in the process, four residents were killed, including Wada Sulaiman, Amiru Saidu Yusha’u Mohammadu and Osama Abdulwahab.
“Two others sustained gunshot injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital. They are Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdulhamid Suleiman,” he added.
The commissioner said in the course of the raid, the bandits razed three houses belonging to Mohammad Jibril, Salisu Ya’u and Idris Muhammad.
A pick-up truck belonging to one Umaru Saleh was also burnt.
“In all, 20 cows belonging to two residents of the village were rustled and herded away by the bandits.”
In another incident, he said armed bandits attacked Marke village in Giwa local government area and killed one Rabiu Haruna.
“Similarly, at Kuriga in Chikun local government area, armed bandits killed two people along the Buruku road linking with Birnin Gwari local government area.
“The victims were identified as Ibrahim Yahu Birnin Gwari and Haruna Usman. Another victim, Mansur Dada, sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Speaking on attacks of the bandits camps, Aruwan said: “Several aerial missions were conducted covering locations in Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa and Chikun local government areas. These missions were carried out in tandem with ground patrols in the areas.
“The first aerial mission covered the Riyawa camp, which was engaged with rockets. Close air support was then given to troops of Operation Taimako Yazo along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, covering Polewire, Crossing Point, Koriga, Udawa, Buruku and environs. Normal activities were observed across all areas.
“Another pass was made over the Birnin Gwari area with an informant on board the aircraft to identify target locations. About 5-7km Northwest of Farin Ruwa, bandits hideouts were identified and engaged accordingly. Some bandits sighted fleeing the area were also neutralised.
“In a second mission, targets were identified around Riyawa camp and engaged. A third pass confirmed that strikes on the camps were well on target.
“The Riyawa axis around the Kaduna-Katsina inter-state boundary was also thoroughly scanned. Normal activities, huts and few heads of livestock were observed in the area.
“On the ground, troops of Operation Taimako Yazo and Operation Badamamaki conducted aggressive fighting patrols along the road to Ifira village and formed a blocking force at the Ifira River. The area was observed to be calm.
“Also, troops of Operation Taimako Yazo conducted day and night patrols along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road as well as Polewire and Udawa axes to clear hideouts and crossing points. Commuters were stopped and searched at intervals.”