The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says troops of operation Hadarin Daji have killed one Abdulkareem Lawal, identified as a “high-valued terrorist”, in Kastina.
In a statement on Sunday, the air force said Lawal was killed, alongside 27 other bandits, in an air strike.
NAF said Lawal was part of the gunmen who attacked Aminu Umar, a police area commander, in July.
The operation was part of efforts to improve security in the country, following the recent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on changing security strategy.
“After days of careful planning and coordination, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, yesterday, 6 August 2022, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists’ enclaves and hideouts located at Rugu Forest in Katsina State,” the statement reads.
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“Intelligence has since confirmed that the strikes have led to the elimination of one Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal, a.k.a. Abdulkareem Boss.
“Abdulkareem Boss was a high valued target who has been on the radar of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies for a while.
“He was based in Marina area of Safana LGA and was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustlings and kidnappings. He was known to regularly invite terrorists’ groups from other areas and regions to join him in attacks on targets.
“Specifically, he was part of the terrorist group that carried out attacks that eventually led to the death of the Nigerian Police Area Commander of Dutsinma on 5 July, 2022.
“Reports filtering in have since confirmed that Abdulkareem Boss was neutralised in the precision strike alongside 27 of his foot soldiers.”
NAF said troops remain committed to “ridding the entire Northern region as well as the FCT of terrorism”, adding that it will also continue to collaborate with other security agencies on restoring peace and sanity.