Suspected bandits attacked the Kaduna International Airport located in Igabi Local Government Area the Kaduna State on Saturday, March 26, 2022.
The attackers, numbering over 200 were said to have taken over the airport.
The development caused panic at the airport as the suspected terrorists reportedly killed one security official of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
The attack forced the authority to temporarily shut down activities while the military battled the suspected terrorists.
It was also gathered that an aircraft scheduled to take off for Lagos at 12:30pm could not fly as a result of the presence of the terrorists at the runway of the airport.
The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the attack in a statement titled, ‘Troops Repel Bandits at Kaduna Airport’, said troops had successfully repelled the terrorists.
Aruwan said that airport operations resumed with scheduled flights after the incident, noting, however, that the bandits “unfortunately shot and killed a staff” during the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, he said, security operatives were still conducting an operation at the airport general areas.
The commissioner said, “Security forces have reported that an attack by armed bandits was repelled in the vicinity of the Kaduna International Airport.
“Troops stationed within and around the airport responded and repelled the attackers.
“However, the bandits, unfortunately, shot and killed a staff member stationed at the perimeter fence who raised alarm on sighting them.
“Airport operations resumed with scheduled flights departing after the incident.
“Security forces are conducting operations in the airport general area. Further updates will be communicated to the public.”
Aruwan quoted Governor Nasir el-Rufai to have hailed the troops for their prompt response in repelling the attackers.
He said, “Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i commended the security forces for their prompt response to the attack, and for repelling the attackers.
“He expressed sadness at the report of the casualty, and sent condolences to the family of the victim, while offering prayers for the repose of his soul,” Aruwan said.
