Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel were, on Monday, killed during a gun battle with bandits in Kaduna State.
Several others were reportedly injured in an ambush by the bandits at Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.
The assailants were said to be in the process of kidnapping some travellers and upon sighting the security operatives, opened fire on them while a gunfight ensued in the process.
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The Air Force personnel, who were part of the troops of 271 NAF detachment, Birnin Gwari, had dismounted an ambush set up by the bandits at Kawan Pole Waya, about 20km from Birnin Gwari along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road.
Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, July 23, confirmed the incident.
Part of the statement read: “The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush to the side of Birnin Gwari and called for reinforcement.
“Unfortunately, 2 NAF personnel paid the supreme price in the process. The personnel, Flying Officer Abdulrahman Bayero and Aircraftman Saidu Bawa, are scheduled to be buried today in accordance with Islamic rites.
“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 families of the fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.
“The CAS, who was at Birnin Gwari on Saturday, 20 July 2019, on an assessment visit, has urged 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.”
