On Monday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that airstrikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji resulted in the deaths of over 80 terrorists and the destruction of more than 45 motorcycles in Katsina State.
AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, stated that the operation carried out on June 15, targeted a hideout of terrorists in the Faskare Local Government Area of the state.
The airstrikes were launched following intelligence reports indicating that a group of over 100 terrorists were setting fire to houses in a settlement about five kilometres from Gidan Kare Village.
He said, “Air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji have continued to record the expected outcome as several terrorists have been eliminated with their motorcycles destroyed. In one such strike carried out on the night of June 15, 2024, over 80 terrorists hibernating at a hideout location at Gidan Kare Village of Ruwan Godiya Ward in the Faskare LGA of Katsina State were confirmed eliminated and 45 motorcycles burnt.
“The strikes became necessary following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reported burning houses at a settlement about 5km away from Gidan Kare Village. Overhead the village at about 8.30 pm, 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.”
Gabkwet further explained that additional terrorists were seen approaching the site from various directions. He noted this as a sign that the area served as a gathering point for terrorists plotting further assaults on nearby villages.
“Having been presented with such a rare opportunity, authorisation was sought, obtained and the location was immediately struck at exactly 9:40 pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off.
“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 terrorist activities in the area, “ the statement added.