The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji recently conducted airstrikes that eliminated more than 80 terrorists in Gidan Kare Village, located in the Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
According to a statement by AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, the airstrikes took place on the night of June 15.
The operation not only killed the terrorists but also destroyed over 45 motorcycles.
Gabkwet explained that the strikes were launched in response to intelligence reports indicating that over 100 terrorists were burning houses in a settlement approximately five kilometers from Gidan Kare Village.
When the air force arrived at around 8:30 PM, they observed several houses on fire and the entire village in chaos.
“Moments later, 12 motor cycles were seen departing the Village and trailed along a footpath out of the village to a location near Gidan Kare Village and Kuka Shidda Camp, where they joined a large number of their cohorts.
“Other terrorists were also observed arriving the location from different directions, an indication that the location was a mass up point with the terrorists likely planning to further attack nearby villages.
“Having been presented such a rare opportunity, authorization was sought, obtained and the location was immediately struck at exactly 9:40pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off.
“Further intelligence received after the strike also revealed that the terrorists were closely linked with notorious terrorists kingpin, Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani.
“These strikes, along with others before now, have no doubt disrupted terrorists activities in the area,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has praised the efforts of the air component and other security agencies in reducing the capabilities of terrorist elements in the North West.
Air Marshal Abubakar gave this commendation during an event at the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina on Monday.
He highlighted that the successes achieved by the air component, in collaboration with other security agencies, have significantly contributed to the region’s security. He encouraged the personnel to remain steadfast and dedicated in their fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
During his visit, Abubakar also inaugurated several airfield facilities, including a new taxiway link, operations and engineering buildings, and a new sports complex. He stated that these facilities would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of air operations, particularly in the North West.
