By Joy Odor
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation Hadarin Daji on Friday carried out strikes on the enclave of notorious terrorist leader and gun runner, Mallam Ila, located about 9km East of Manawa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said this is sequel in sustenance of efforts aimed at ridding the North West zone of terrorists activities.
He informed that after the air strike on the location, multiple explosions were observed with huge fireballs, indicative of other high inflammable materials hidden in the location.
Air Commodore Edward mentioned that about 7 terrorists were also confirmed eliminated while Mallam Ila narrowly escaped but sustained critical injuries.
He affirmed that the strikes on the key terrorists and their hideouts would continued until all areas are rid of enemies of the State.
“Mallam Ila remains a high value target due to his closeness and association with terrorist leaders Bello Turji and Dan Bokoyo.
” Ila, Turji and Bokoyo’s foot soldiers have also been responsible for attacks in Shinkafi general area of Zamfara State as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi and Sokoto States” he said.
According to him, NAF and other security agencies remain on track to seeing the ongoing counterterrorism effort to a conclusive end.
The NAF Director Information therefore called on Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies with information on activities of criminal elements as solving the current security impasse requires the involvement of all.
