KADUNA: Deadly bandit leader, Maikaji, ‘neutralised’ during air strike

A NOTORIOUS bandit leader, Rufai Maikaji, and members of his gang met their Waterloo today in Malul Forest, Igabi, Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed this today in Kaduna.

He said: “After painstaking checks with security agencies, and careful exploitation of numerous intelligence sources, the Kaduna State government can authoritatively confirm that ‘Rufai Maikaji’, a deadly bandit has been neutralised.

“Maikaji commanded more than a hundred fighters.”

According to Aruwan  the aerial mission which led to Maikaji’s death was conducted towards the end of February.

“On sighting ground troops, ‘Maikaji’ and bandits under his command, escaped from Anaba village of Igabi Local Government Area where they killed some citizens, burnt houses and kidnapped some locals,” he said.

“From further checks, ‘Maikaji’ and his group were confirmed to be responsible for the killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling in many communities in Giwa, Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas.

“They are also responsible for the same crimes in Iyatawa, Garke, Kumfa, Bakali, Karau-karau, Galadimawa, Anaba, Kerawa, Hashimawa, Sabon Birni, Buruku and parts of Chikun axis of Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.”

Explaining how the notorious gang leader was recruited into banditry, Aruwan said he started out as an errand boy of bandits in Sabin Birni before rising to become a deadly leader of the terror group.

“From this position, he grew to become a household name in banditry,” he said.

“The aggressive pursuit of other accomplices who escaped the onslaught is in full swing and they will be caught sooner than later.”

Governor Nasir El-Rufai has vowed not to grant amnesty to bandits in his state. 

El-Rufai said any bandit caught in the state would be killed.