The air component of the joint military taskforce code named “Operation Whirl Punch’’ has neutralised a notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin, identified as “Janari’’ and several members of his syndicate, the Nigerian Air Force has said.
The spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, who revealed this in a statement on Sunday said that Janari and his cohorts had been responsible for attacks and abductions within Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
He said that the airstrikes were authorised and executed after the kidnap kingpin and his cohorts were sighted at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
AVM Gabkwet explained that intelligence reports indicated that Janari and his gang were massing for a likely attack or kidnapping of vulnerable civilians, hence the need to immediately attack the location.
“Intelligence received after the strike revealed that Janari was indeed eliminated alongside several other terrorists/kidnappers.
“Similar air strikes were also carried out on 20 January 2024 on confirmed terrorists and kidnappers’ hideouts near Chukuba in Niger State with various degrees of success. “Feedback after the strikes was also positive as it confirmed that the targets were neutrlized and their mobility destroyed.
“Collaborative efforts by the NAF and other security agencies will continue across all locations suspected of harbouring terrorists and kidnappers.”