This was confirmed in a statement issued on by the spokesman of the Air Force, Ibikunle Daramola.
Daramola said over 100 armed bandits laid an ambush which led to the killing, adding that some military personnel sustained various degrees of injuries.
The attack took place at Ungwan Laya near Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
He however said the gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush killing dozens of bandits in the process.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao has commiserated with the families of the fallen heroes, praying for the repose of their souls.
Amao who visited the injured personnel in the hospital on Saturday urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to collaborate with other security agencies, to rid the northwest of all criminal elements.
