By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Troops in Kaduna have killed Rufai Maikaji, an armed bandits leader controlling over100 and several of his group terrorizing communities in the State.
The commissioner of internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan said they were killed during a painstaking operation by security agencies, and careful exploitation of numerous human intelligence sources.
He said the Kaduna State Government can authoritatively confirm that one Rufai Maikaji a deadly bandit who commanded over a hundred fighters has been neutralized.
According to him, “Rufai Maikaji, and dozens of his fighters were neutralized during air interdictions around the fringes of Malul Forest in Igabi LGA of Kaduna Central Senatorial District”.
He said: “the aerial missions in which ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his gang were neutralized were conducted in late February when he (Rufai Maikaji) and the bandits under his command. “On sighting ground troops, they escaped from Anaba village of Igabi LGA where they killed some citizens, burnt houses and kidnapped some locals.”
“The prompt response by the air platforms ended the reign of terror maintained by ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his bloodsucking accomplices.”
Besides, he remarked, “from further checks, ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his group were confirmed to be responsible for the killing, kidnapping and cattle rustling in many communities in Giwa, Igabi and Chikun LGAs, especially in the following locations: Iyatawa, Garke, Kumfa, Bakali, Karau-karau and Galadimawa, Anaba, Kerawa, Hashimawa, Sabon Birni, Buruku general area and parts of Chikun LGA axis of Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road. ”
“Rufai Maikaji is said to have begun his ignoble career as an errand boy to some deadly bandits in and around Sabon Birni general area of Igabi LGA. From this position, he grew to become a household name in banditry.”
Said Aruwan: “The Kaduna State Government, military, police, DSS and all agencies have assured residents of the communities that suffered the brutality of ‘Rufai Maikaji’, that aggressive pursuit of other accomplices who escaped the onslaught is in full swing, and they will be caught sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, ” Governor Nasir El-Rufai praised the military for taking down the bandit leader and his accomplices. The Governor further assured them of the firm commitment of the government and people of Kaduna State in the ongoing operations against the bandits throughout the state.”
He stated further, “air platforms conducted armed reconnaissance over Sararai and Dogon Gona in Birnin Gwari local government area”.
“About 6km Northeast of Sararai, bandits huts were observed and engaged accordingly. A similar situation was reported at Dogon Dawa, with active bandits huts duly engaged. Further missions were conducted over Gagafada, Gunki, Kushaka, Kugu, Polewire, and Crossing Point. All locations covered were reported calm.”
“Another mission reported active makeshift tents at Alhaji Bokolo. The location was engaged with rockets. Fleeing bandits from the initial salvo were mopped up with cannons.”
“At Ruwan Tofa, suspicious movement of motorcycles was observed as riders scampered for safety on sighting the aircraft.
Ground troops at Birnin Gwari, Gagafada and Udawa reported calm situations.”
“Receiving the operational feedback, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his gratitude and commended the forces for the successful missions.”
