Operation Whirl Punch's Air Component has conducted numerous missions to various locations of interest at frontline areas believed to be hiding places for bandits in certain parts of Kaduna State.

Samuel Aruwan (State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs), disclosed the information in a statement on Friday, December 2. He stated that air strikes had been launched against identified locations belonging to bandits across Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas.

Aruwan also revealed that 10 kidnapped citizens had escaped from Birnin Gwari, LGA's bandit camp.

"The air component of Operation Whirl Punch has reported to the Kaduna State Government that several missions were conducted at various locations of interest in frontline areas," he stated.

"According to the reports, following credible intelligence of bandits gathering around Ukambo, Chikun LGA, air platforms targeted the location and struck it successfully. Similarly, the hideouts of bandits identified as Alhaji Ishiaka (in Igabi LGA) and Dan Rani (in Birnin Gwari LGA) were targeted and destroyed with rockets.

"Furthermore, terrorist camps in Janbirni, as well as Takaura, Kuyanbana forest, Birnin Gwari LGA, were targeted and destroyed.

"The Kaduna State Government was also informed that ten kidnapped citizens have escaped from a bandit camp following armed reconnaissance conducted over Damari Forest in Birnin Gwari LGA.

Four escaped victims, originally from Damari, have been identified as follows: Muhammadu Maitireda, Musa Adamu, Dahiru Garba, and Badamasi Halilu.

The other six escaped citizens were identified as Malam Alawiya, Maimuna, Adama, Garba, Ahmad, and Luka.

"The six were visiting Damari from a neighboring state when they were kidnapped. All ten citizens have since been reunited with their families.

"In another development, troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted fighting patrols along the Gyam-Kuriga-Manini-Udawa-Buruku road in Birnin Gwari LGA.

"Contact was made with bandits around Labi Gyam. After a 25-minute exchange, the bandits withdrew from the area. The troops dislodged the camp and recovered one AK47 rifle, seven motorcycles, nine rounds of ammunition, and one Baofeng radio charger. Ground and air patrols will continue in these areas," the commissioner added.