DHQ: Two Foreigners Arrested As Air Strikes Disrupt Bandits’ Operation In Niger

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that its air strikes executed by the air component of Operation GAMA AIKI at Kasuwan Ango Community in Mariga LGA of Niger State resulted in the disruption of the activities of a group of armed bandits operating in the area.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General John Enenche revealed that the operation led to the arrest of two of the escaping bandits, who happened to be foreigners.

Enenche explained that the operation, which was conducted on the night of 28 and early hours of 29 June 2020, was sequel “to credible intelligence reports indicating that some armed bandits in black attire were seen on the move with a large number of rustled cattle in the area”.

“Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched a helicopter gunship to engage the bandits in multiple waves of attack leading to the neutralization of some of the bandits, while a few escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

The defence media coordinator further noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar commended the Operation Gama Aiki Air Component for their dedication and professionalism.

Abubakar “thanked all Nigerians for their support and encouraged the general public to continue providing useful information that would facilitate the restoration of peace and security to all affected parts of the Country”.