Military Operation Hadarin Daji’s air component raided terrorist kingpins Ado Aliero and Dankarami’s hideouts in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The air operations took place on July 28 and 29 in Zurmi, Tsafe, Faskari, and Jibia Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Katsina states.
During the air attacks on Dankarami enclaves, at least 16 terrorists were killed, according to reports.
According to a military report on the operations on Tuesday, the raids were carried out on an intelligence tip.
“In continuation of efforts to rid the North-West region of terrorists and their activities, strikes by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji have recently been heightened in the entire region.
“Specifically, in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, the air component obliterated at least 16 terrorists in enclaves believed to belong to terrorist Kingpin, Dankarami. The strikes were conducted following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorist kingpin Dankarami, known for collaborating with other kingpins in the area to carry out violent attacks on some communities in Zurmi LGA.
“Similar air strikes were carried out at terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave near Asola Mountains in the Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, following information that the kingpin and his foot soldiers had been responsible for recent abductions and cattle rustlings in communities within Tsafe and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State,” the report said.
The report states that one Mallam Kabiru Umaru, a local farmer near Tsafe, who witnessed the attacks, reported that while the location’s structures were damaged, the few remaining terrorists were seen leaving the area following the operation.
When contacted, NAF Spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said that Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar had directed intensified air operations in the area.
He stated:
“The increase in air strikes, especially in the North-West in line with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to all air component commanders to ensure they, alongside sister services and other security agencies, free the entire region of terrorists and other criminal elements.
“So far, the CAS has expressed satisfaction with the level of successes recorded just as he has enjoined the component commanders to sustain the tempo.”
cc: Punch Ng
