The Nigerian Air Force have in a statement on Monday, confirmed losing a Special Force Personnel during a gun duel with suspected bandits. The Force while confirming the sad event, also confirmed that the Troops of Sector 1 of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized no fewer than 30 armed bandits at the Maje Riverline near Yar Katsina under Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The statement which was released by Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, who is the Director of Public Relations and Information, stated that the killing of 30 armed bandits in Zamfara, “was achieved when the troops from Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Kekuwuje, Kwatarkwashi and Maru, comprised mostly of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) personnel, were mobilized in response to reports that scores of armed bandits, along with a large number of rustled livestock, were spotted heading towards Kekuwuje-Yar Kastina Road.
The troops made contact with the armed bandits along the Yar Katsina Road and overpowered them with superior firepower in the ensuing gun battle.
The troops subsequently pursued the bandits and cornered them at the Maje Riverline, neutralizing 30 armed bandits in the process.
Unfortunately, one NAF SF personnel, Aircraftman Sunday Enwa, who fought gallantly during the encounter, paid the supreme price while 3 others, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, have been evacuated for medical treatment,” he said.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of the fallen hero and prays that the Almighty God grants his soul peaceful repose.
The CAS also urges all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements,” the statement added.