The Nigerian Air Force says the recent killing of terrorists in Katsina State is a testament to the fact that the country is making immense progress in the fight against insurgency.
The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air strikes, killing over eighty terrorists and destroying their motorcycles at their hideout in Gidan Kare village, Ruwan Godiya ward, in the Faskari Local Government Area of the State.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Air Force Director of Information and Communications, who confirmed the strike, said the bombardment was prompted by intelligence reports indicating that over a hundred terrorists were burning houses in a settlement about five kilometers from Gidan Kare village.
The Air Force spokesman added that searchlight images captured over the village around 8:30 pm showed multiple houses on fire, causing widespread panic.
According to him, thirteen motorcycles were observed leaving the village and were tracked to Kuka Shidda camp, where the terrorists regrouped with a larger force.
He said further intelligence revealed that the terrorists were closely linked to notorious kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his associate, Rabe Imani.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet maintained that the recent air strikes, along with previous ones, have significantly disrupted terrorist activities in the area.
On his part, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, appreciated the efforts of the Air Component and other security agencies in weakening terrorist capabilities in the northwest region.
He expressed his commendation while addressing the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina.
Air Marshal Abubakar also inaugurated several airfield facilities, including a new taxiway link, the operations and engineering building, and a new sports complex, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of air operations in the northwestern region to benefit the citizenry.
RN
