Troops of the 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment, Birnin Gwari on Thursday, foiled an ambush laid for the troops by armed bandits at Ungwan Yako along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State.

An Officer, Aircraftman Mukhtar Ibrahim was killed, while several others were wounded during a gun duel with the heavily armed bandits numbering over 70

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, “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 today in accordance with Islamic rites while the injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Hospital in Kaduna.

“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 family of the fallen hero and prays that the Almighty grants his soul peaceful repose. The CAS 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”. (The Nation)