NAMA Staff Killed As Bandits Storm Kaduna Airport, Stop Aircraft From Taking Off

A staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been killed by bandits who stormed Kaduna Airport and stopped an aircraft from taking off from the Airport.

Bandits Attack Kaduna Airport

It was gathered that the aircraft was scheduled for Lagos on Saturday, when the bandits stormed the runaway forcing the officials of the airline and passengers to run for safety.

According to Channels Television, the manager of the Airport, Mrs Amina Salami, said that the bandits invaded the airport through the perimeter fence from a nearby forest at about 1 pm on Saturday afternoon, and started shooting sporadically to scare the workers.

She further explained that a security guard with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) who was patrolling around the runway, Shehu Na’Allah, was shot to death by the bandits.

The airport manager also disclosed that the sound of gunshot attracted the attention of armed security operatives who arrived at the scene and were able to repel the bandits from gaining access into the main airport complex.

The attack also delayed a scheduled Lagos-bound aircraft from taking off from the Kaduna airport, while armed operatives of the Nigerian Airforce and other military personnel have taken over the innards and outer areas of the airport to fish out the bandits.

Kaduna Confirms Airport Attack

The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack in a statement titled, ‘Troops Repel Bandits at Kaduna Airport’.

According to him, the Nigerian troops successfully repelled the terrorists and the airport operations resumed with scheduled flights, but the bandits “unfortunately shot and killed a staff” during the attack.

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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that last year, bandits had also kidnapped nine people after invading the staff quarters of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at Kaduna Airport.