Over 22 terrorists, mostly comprising foot soldiers of the notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Abdulkareen Lawal, also known as Abdulkareen Boss, were neutralized by air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Batsari and Jibia Local Government Areas (LGA) of Katsina State.
The air strikes were executed based on credible intelligence reports that linked the terrorists to several abductions and violent attacks on communities within Kankara LGA of Katsina State. One of the locations targeted, Sola Poi II, was discovered to be harboring a large number of terrorists planning to attack commuters along the Jibia-Katsina road.
The successful air interdiction missions led to the elimination of the terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts and structures. Notably, the strikes in August 2022 had also resulted in the elimination of terrorist leader Abdulkareen Boss, who was responsible for numerous attacks, including the killing of a Nigerian Police Area Commander in Dutsin ma on July 5, 2022.
Abdulkareen Boss, a high-value target, had been under the radar of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies for some time. His elimination was a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency in the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has directed air component commanders to collaborate with other security agencies and intensify efforts to target and neutralize terrorists and their enclaves. The coordination and synergy among the various security forces have yielded positive outcomes, leading to significant successes in the fight against terrorism.
The recent air strikes have significantly disrupted the activities of the terrorists in Katsina State, prompting some of them to seek a negotiated end to their violent activities. This development underscores the impact of the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts in dealing with the terrorists and protecting innocent civilians from their attacks.
As the security forces continue their operations against terrorists and insurgents, the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and bringing lasting peace to the affected regions.
