Airstrikes launched by the Nigeria Air Force in Zamfara State have eliminated scores of terrorists believed to be foot soldiers of the notorious bandit kingpin, Gwoska Dankarami.
Another separate military air interdiction was also launched at the enclave of Ado Aliero, also a terrorist kingpin in Zamfara, near Asola Mountain in Tsafe local government, killing over a dozen armed bandits.
In a chat with PRNigeria, a military intelligence operative, who claimed anonymity, said the bombardments by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji have recently been heightened in the North West, as part of ridding the region of terrorists and their activities.
He said: “Between 28-29 July 2023, air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft were conducted in various locations in Zurmi, Tsafe, Faskari and Jibia Local Government Areas (LGA) in Zamfara and Katsina States.
“Specifically, in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, the air component obliterated at least 16 terrorists in enclaves believed to belong to terrorist Kingpin Dankarami.
“According to an anonymous source privy with the operations, the strikes were conducted following credible intelligence of 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.
“The source further revealed that footage of the air strikes revealed several terrorists on 8 motorcycles as well as herds of cattle heading towards a hidden camp in the bushes which were subsequently acquired and attacked. The aftermath of the strikes later revealed the obliteration of all the motorcycles and the decimation of at least 16 terrorists”.
The military intelligence operative further said similar airstrikes were carried out at Ado Aliero’s enclave near Asola Mountains, following information that the bandit leader and his foot soldiers have been responsible for recent abductions and cattle rustling in communities within Tsafe and Faskari local government areas of Katsina State.
Reacting to the development, NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the increase in airstrikes, especially in the North West, is in line with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
Gabkwet said the new air staff ordered all Air Component Commanders to work with sister services and other security agencies, to free the entire Northern region of terrorists and other criminal elements.
