Multiple airstrikes by two Nigerian Air Force, NAF, fighter jets on Saturday killed a notorious Boko Haram Commander Aminu Duniya in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
Scores of Boko Haram terrorists were also killed during the onslaught by the military fighter aircraft.
After intelligence revealed that the terrorists had gathered at Kurebe in the Shiroro Local Government Area for an important conference hosted by Duniya, the terrorists were destroyed.
According to reports, the wanted terrorist Commander invited other criminals to his hideout in Kurebe. The gathering undoubtedly drew many terrorists, who arrived in huge numbers on their motorcycles.
Kurebe is a well-known safe haven for terrorists because local Kurebe residents have since left the nearby villages after militants forced them out in 2021.
Although their bombardments killed numerous terrorists, a NAF intelligence officer claims it is still unknown whether Duniya was also killed.
“The strike at Kurebe came barely hours after a coordinated joint air and ground operation killed several terrorists operating around the Damba-Galbi axis in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The activities of the terrorists continued to make life unbearable to locals in the area. So, when intelligence revealed that the terrorists had planned to over-run a nearby village within the vicinity, the military saw that as an opportunity to surprise them.
“While NA troops laid siege around the location, NAF aircraft were directed to the suspected location of the terrorists which were then attacked. Several terrorists were confirmed killed after the strike,” he said.
A domestic intelligence source informed newsmen that the terrorists were taken off guard by the military offensives’ renewed vigour.
Collateral damage may be unavoidable, the individual who is not authorized to speak on the ongoing activities added.
“The fleeing bandits and terrorists are now in the habit of hiding in abandoned homes and farms. In several instances, they even hide under rustled cattle.
“They even attempt to use captives as human shields, but the airforce and ground troops are doing fantastic jobs in minimising likely fatalities in case of collateral damages,” he added.
This is coming after the Nigerian Air Force neutralised a notorious Boko Haram commander also known as ‘Bem Bem’ and 27 other terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno.