By Victor Akaa
In a decisive blow against terrorism, the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), has successfully eliminated over 80 terrorists and destroyed 45 motorcycles in a precision strike on a terrorist hideout in Katsina State.
According to intelligence reports, the terrorists were massing up at Gidan Kare Village, preparing to attack nearby villages.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force said the Air Component, acting on authorization, struck the location at 9:40 pm on June 15, 2024, with devastating effect.
“In one of such strikes carried out on the night of 15 June 2024, over 80 terrorists hibernating at a hideout location at Gidan Kare Village of Ruwan Godiya Ward in Faskare Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State were confirmed eliminated and 45 motorcycles burnt. The strikes became necessary following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reported burning houses at a settlement about 5 km away from Gidan Kare Village.
“Overhead the Village at about 8.30 pm, 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. 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.” he stated.
In another development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the Air Component’s efforts, stating, your “resoluteness and gallantry” have contributed significantly to security in the region, diminishing the terrorists fighting capabilities.
Air Marshal Abubakar handed down the commendation when he feted with the troops of OPHD at 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina State. He urged them to continue their dedication to the fight against terrorism and criminality.
”This strike, and others like it, have disrupted terrorist activities in the area,” the statement added.
Earlier, the CAS commissioned new airfield facilities, including the new taxiway link, operations and engineering building, and sports complex at the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina, to enhance air operations in the North West
