The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed death of over 80 terrorists and 45 motorcycles burnt in airstrikes conducted at Gidan Kare Village in Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskare local government area of Katsina State.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement said the strikes was authorised on 15 June, 2024 after intelligence revealed that terrorists numbering over 100 were burning houses at a settlement about 5kilometres away from Gidan Kare Village.
He said, “Overhead the Village at about 8.30pm, several houses were observed to be on fire with the entire Village in pandemonium.
Moments later, 12 motorcycles 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”.
The Director said other terrorists were also observed arriving 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, authorisation 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,” he said.
AVM Gabkwet 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.
“These strikes, along with others before now, have no doubt disrupted terrorists’ activities in the area,” he added.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, commended the efforts of the Air Component as well as other security agencies in diminishing the capabilities of terrorist elements in the Northwest.
He gave the commendation on Monday when he celebrated with the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina.
He said, “As we continue the fight against insurgency and banditry bedeviling our dear nation, I want to commend and appreciate your resoluteness and gallantry.”
The Air Chief stated that the successes by the Air Component Operation HADARIN DAJI in synergy with other security agencies have continued to contribute to security within the region.
He therefore, urged them not to relent in their efforts and dedication to the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
Earlier, Abubakar had commissioned some airfield facilities such as the new taxiway link, operations and engineering building, and the new sports complex at the Base.
The facilities, he noted will no doubt ensure that air operations, especially within the Northwest, are more effective and efficient.
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