Criminal gang leader, others shot dead during aerial operations in Kaduna

A notorious criminal gang leader, identified as Rufai Maigaji and some members of his gang operating in Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna State have been killed during an aerial military mission carried out by Nigerian Airforce

Penpushing reports that Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Homeland Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made this known on Thursday adding that the aerial operations were conducted in late February to neutralize the gang.

The Commissioner said the ring leader and his accomplices, on sighting ground troops, had escaped from Anaba village of Igabi local government area where they killed number of residents, set houses ablazed and kidnapped others.

“After painstaking checks with security agencies, and careful exploitation of numerous human intelligence sources, the Kaduna State Government can authoritatively confirm that one ‘Rufai Maikaji’ a deadly bandit who commanded over a hundred fighters has been neutralised.

“Rufai Maikaji, and dozens of his fighters were neutralised during air interdictions around the fringes of Malul Forest in Igabi LGA of Kaduna Central Senatorial District. The prompt response by the air platforms ended the reign of terror maintained by ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his bloodsucking accomplices.

“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’.

“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.

“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.”

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