Insurgency: Zulum releases 70 surveillance vehicles to army, others

Maryam Ahmadu-Suka & Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba, Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one not four of its personnel was killed when bandits numbering about 70 attacked soldiers in Unguwan Yako in Buruku along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road on Thursday.

Daily Trust Saturday had earlier gathered from a source that four soldiers were killed in the attack which occurred at 3pm on Thursday afternoon.

But the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola in a statement issued yesterday said troops of the 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment, Birnin Gwari foiled an ambush set up by over 70 armed bandits at Ungwan Yako along the KadunaBirnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State.

According to him, “The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush to the side of Birnin Gwari killing several bandits in the process.

“Unfortunately, one NAF personnel paid the supreme price in the process while some sustained varying degrees of injury.

“The deceased airman, Aircraftman Mukhtar Ibrahim, is scheduled to be buried on Friday in accordance with Islamic rites while the injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Hospital in Kaduna,” Air Commodore Daramola said.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum yesterday released 70 new surveillance vehicles to support the Nigerian Army, police and volunteers in the civilian JTF and hunters involved in fighting Boko Haram.

The vehicles were released at the launch of a rapid response squad held at the Shehu of Borno palace in Maiduguri.

The Governor, who had released 160 surveillance vehicles between June and September, 2019 also handed to security agencies and volunteers fighting the insurgents.

Of the latest Hilux vehicles released, Governor Zulum directed that a number be used by hunters and civilian JTF to patrol Maiduguri-Damboa road.

Vehicles painted in military colours were received by the Theatre Command of operation Lafiya Dole. Police and other security agencies were part of the allocation.

The Governor assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to security of lives and property.

The Governor called on traditional and community leaders to re-dedicate themselves to mobilizing participation in vigilance and generating local intelligence.

He warned that under no condition must any citizen harbour insurgents and those perpetrating criminal activities.

Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole was represented by the deputy, Major-General M.G. Ali.