The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed top terrorist leaders Ali Dawud, Bakurah Fallujah, Mallam Ari and other 30 fighters in Borno State.
A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on April 13, 2024, targeted the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists nestled within Kolleram village along the shores of Lake Chad.
Gabkwet said the Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) post-strike conducted revealed that over 30 terrorists were killed.
“Among those neutralized were some senior commanders such as Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari,” he said.
The airstrikes also destroyed terrorists, numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets, thereby severely hampering their operational capabilities.
“Intelligence gathered after the airstrike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively obliterated a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines.
“By neutralising key terrorist figures and destroying their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region,” he added.
He said the success of the airstrikes demonstrated NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, adding that airstrikes complement the ongoing efforts of ground forces in the Lake Chad flank and represent a crucial step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
