The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji have killed more than 80 terrorists lurking at a hideout in Gidan Kare Village of Ruwan Godiya Ward in Faskare Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
According to the NAF, the air strikes followed intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reportedly burning houses at a settlement about 5 km away from the Village.
It stressed that at about 8.30 pm, several houses were observed to be on fire, leaving the entire village in pandemonium.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, disclosed that 45 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were also set ablaze by the airstrikes.
“Air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji have continued to record the expected outcome as several terrorists have been eliminated with their motorcycles destroyed,” Gabkwet said.
He added: “In one of such strikes carried out on the night of 15 June 2024, over 80 terrorists hibernating at a hideout location at Gidan Kare Village of Ruwan Godiya Ward in Faskare Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State were confirmed eliminated and 45 motorcycles burn.”
“The strikes became necessary, following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reported burning houses at a settlement about 5 km away from Gidan Kare Village. Overhead the Village at about 8.30 pm, several houses were observed to be on fire with the entire Village in pandemonium.
Gabkwet further revealed that 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 up with a large number of their cohorts.
According to him, other terrorists were also observed arriving at the location from different directions, an indication that the location was a massing 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 9:40 pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off,” he said.
Further intelligence received after the strike also revealed that the terrorists were closely linked with notorious terrorist kingpin, Yusuf Yellow, and his close associate, Rabe Imani.
Gabkwet said: “The strikes, along with others before now, had no doubt disrupted terrorists’ activities in the area.”
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the efforts of the Air Component as well as other security agencies in diminishing the capabilities of terrorist elements in the Northwest.
Abubakar gave the commendation when he feted the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina.
“As we continue the fight against insurgency and banditry bedevilling our dear nation, I want to commend and appreciate your resoluteness and gallantry,” he said.
He said that the successes recorded by the Air Component Operation HADARIN DAJI in collaboration with other security agencies had continued to contribute to security within the region.
He enjoined the troops not to relent in their efforts and dedication to the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminalities in Nigeria.
