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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji has bombarded terrorists’ enclaves in separate attacks in Katsina and Zamfara, killing scores of terrorists.
NAF, Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the strikes carried out on Tuesday were executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist leader, Maudi Maudi, and several other terrorist kingpins situated south of Tsaskiya in Safana Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
The strikes were prompted by painstaking intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations conducted in the targeted vicinity where clusters of huts were observed amid rocky terrain.
Gabkwet, in a statement, said: “The surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering among the huts, after which the authourisation to strike was obtained. A post-strike battle damage assessment revealed the targeted location engulfed in flames, with a few survivors observed fleeing to safety. Though several terrorists were eliminated, it remains unconfirmed if Maudi Maudi was among those neutralised.
“Similar strikes were also carried out on March 6, 2024, at the stronghold of notorious terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Na-Shama, situated to the East of Ussu village within the Nasarawar Mailayi District in the Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State. “Reliable human intelligence has confirmed the neutralisation of several of Na-Shama’s associates and the total obliteration of his camp and logistics. It is yet to be confirmed if Na-Shama was among the victims.
“The precision strikes by NAF aircraft have continued to give the expected outcomes with the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of their means of mobility. These efforts served to protect civilian lives as well as disrupt their logistics support bases and motorcycles. This proactive approach aligns with the mission objectives of Operation Hadarin Daji, which majorly focuses on securing the Northwestern region of Nigeria from the menace of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.”
