The Nigerian military, through the Defence Headquarters, has confirmed the killing of four notorious terrorist commanders in recent air strikes. The commanders identified as Machika, Haro, Dan Muhammadu, and Ali Alheri, alias Kachalla Ali Kawaje, were targeted in synchronised air and ground operations.
Machika was noted as a top terrorist bomb expert and the younger brother of another notorious terrorist, Dogo Gide. Haro and Dan Muhammadu were specialists in kidnapping and assault operations. Additionally, Kachalla Ali Kawaje, a renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of students at the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, was killed in Munya Local Government Area of Niger.
The military disclosed that air assets conducted aggressive flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers. The strikes resulted in the killing of over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 others were arrested. The military reiterated its commitment to hunting down prominent terrorist leaders and engaging them until they are destroyed or surrendered.
In a related development in the South-east, the troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, arrested a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The arrested commander, Uchechukwu Akpa, along with three sub-commanders, was apprehended during a raid on their hideout in Enugu State. The group was reportedly planning to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command and had intentions to attack troop locations.
During the raid, Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to escape. The military also recovered weapons and ammunition, including an AK 47 Rifle, two AK 47 Magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one Pump action rifle.
The operations conducted during the week also led to the arrest of 66 perpetrators of oil theft and the rescue of 89 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops in the Niger Delta region destroyed numerous illegal refining sites, dugout pits, boats, storage tanks, vehicles, and other equipment used in illicit activities. The military emphasized its commitment to ongoing efforts against terrorism, secessionist activities, and criminal elements across the country.
