Katsina State, Nigeria – The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) dealt a significant blow to terrorist activities in Katsina State as over 22 terrorists, most of whom were foot soldiers of the late notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal, also known as Abdulkareem Boss, were neutralized in airstrikes on Monday, 17 July 2023. The airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts in Batsari and Jibia Local Government Areas (LGA) of Katsina State.
The airstrikes were executed following credible intelligence reports linking the terrorists to multiple abductions and violent attacks on communities within Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Additionally, intelligence reports revealed that a large number of terrorists were hiding at SOLA POI II, with the intention of carrying out kidnappings and attacks on commuters along the Jibia-Katsina road.
In response to these threats, the Air Component of OPHD conducted waves of air interdiction missions, successfully eliminating several terrorists and destroying their structures and hideouts.
Abdulkareem Boss, who was eliminated in a previous NAF airstrike on 6 August 2022 at Ruga Forest in Katsina State, was a high-value target responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, animal rustlings, and kidnappings. He had allegedly masterminded the killing of a Nigerian Police Area Commander of Dutsin ma on 5 July 2022, among other atrocities.
The success of these airstrikes highlights the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies in targeting terrorist enclaves and dismantling their operations. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, confirmed the airstrikes but refrained from providing further details.
Under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Nigerian Air Force has been directed to synergize efforts with other security agencies to bring their firepower to bear on all terrorist targets and enclaves. This directive has been effective in dealing significant blows to terrorist groups in the region.
The recent success of the airstrikes has seemingly prompted some terrorists to seek a negotiated end to their activities, indicating the impact of the Air Staff’s directive on the ground.
The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to rooting out terrorism and restoring peace and security in the affected regions. These airstrikes demonstrate the government’s determination to protect innocent Nigerians from the scourge of terrorism and bring an end to the violence perpetrated by these criminal elements.
