The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of over 80 terrorists and 45 motorcycles burnt in airstrikes conducted at Gidan Kare Village in Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskare local government area (LGA) of Katsina State.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said the strikes were authorized on 15 June 2024 after intelligence revealed that terrorists numbering over 100 were burning houses at a settlement about 5 km away from Gidan Kare Village.
He said, “Overhead the Village at about 8.30pm, several houses were observed to be on fire with the entire Village in pandemonium.
Moments later, 12 motorcycles were seen departing the Village and trailing along a footpath out of the village to a location near Gidan Kare Village and Kuka Shidda Camp, where they joined up with a large number of their cohorts”.
The director said other terrorists were also observed arriving at the location from different directions, “an indication that the location was a massing up point with the terrorists likely planning to further attack nearby villages.
Having been presented such a rare opportunity, authorization was sought, and the location was immediately struck at exactly 9:40pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off,” he said.
AVM Gabkwet said further intelligence received after the strike also revealed that the terrorists were closely linked with notorious terrorist kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani.
“These strikes, along with others before now, have no doubt disrupted terrorist activities in the area,” he added.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the efforts of the Air Component, as well as other security agencies, in diminishing the capabilities of terrorist elements in the Northwest.
He gave the commendation on 17 June 2024, when he fête the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina.
He said, “As we continue the fight against insurgency and banditry bedevilling our dear nation, I want to commend and appreciate your resoluteness and gallantry.”
The Air Chief stated that the successes of the Air Component Operation HADARIN DAJI, in synergy with other security agencies, have continued to contribute to security within the region.
He urged them not to relent in their efforts and dedication to the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
Earlier, Marshal Abubakar had commissioned some airfield facilities, such as the new taxiway link, operations and engineering building, and the new sports complex. The airfield facilities commissioned will undoubtedly ensure more effective and efficient air operations, especially within the Northwest.
