Kaduna State Government on Thursday confirmed the killing of one ‘Rufai Maikaji’, a deadly bandit leader terrorising the State.
The government said that ‘Rufai Maikaji’, alongside dozens of his fighters, were killed around the fringes of Malul Forest in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, by Nigerian Air Force jets in an aerial interdiction conducted in concert with the Nigerian Army.
However, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said the aerial missions in which the bandits were killed were conducted in late February.
He said when Maikaji and his gang sighted the ground troops, they escaped from Anaba village of Igabi LGA where they killed some citizens, burnt houses and kidnapped some locals.
According to Aruwan, the prompt response by the Air Force platforms “ended the reign of terror maintained by ‘Rufai Maikaji’ and his bloodsucking accomplices.”
He said ‘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.
Among the areas raided by the syndicate were: 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 Commissioner said.
Aruwan further assured residents of communities that suffered the brutality of ‘Rufai Maikaji’ that aggressive pursuit of other accomplices, who escaped the onslaught, is in full swing by the security agencies.
He expressed optimism that they will be caught sooner rather than later.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the military for taking down the bandits’ leader and his accomplices, assuring them of firm support in the ongoing operations against bandits throughout the State.