The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful elimination of more than 80 terrorists in recent air strikes at Gidan Kare Village of Ruwan Godiya Ward in Faskare Local Government Area of Katsina State. This action was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji and resulted in the destruction of over 45 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists.
AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, revealed the details of the operation in a statement issued from Abuja. The air strikes, conducted on the night of June 15, were in response to intelligence reports indicating that a large group of terrorists, numbering over 100, were setting houses ablaze in a settlement close to Gidan Kare Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, NAF observed multiple houses engulfed in flames, with chaos reigning in the village. Subsequently, a significant number of terrorists were spotted leaving the area on motorcycles, heading towards Gidan Kare Village and Kuka Shidda Camp to regroup with their accomplices.
Recognizing the imminent threat posed by the gathering terrorists, NAF swiftly obtained authorization for a targeted strike at 9:40 p.m. Over 80 terrorists were neutralized, and numerous motorcycles were destroyed in the operation. Some surviving terrorists attempted to flee the scene.
Further intelligence indicated that the terrorists had ties to notorious figures Yusuf Yellow and Rabe Imani. These decisive strikes, combined with previous operations, have effectively disrupted terrorist activities in the region.
In a separate development, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), commended the efforts of the air component and other security agencies in degrading the capabilities of terrorist elements in the North West. During a visit to the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina, Abubakar praised the synergy among security forces in enhancing regional security.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance and dedication in the fight against terrorism and criminality, Abubakar reiterated the commitment to ensuring effective and efficient air operations in the Northwest through the inauguration of new airfield facilities. The newly commissioned infrastructure, including a taxiway link, operations and engineering building, and sports complex, will bolster operational capabilities in the region.
