The airstrikes from the operations also led to the destruction of the hideouts of terrorist kingpins operating in Zurmi Local Government Area, Gusau LG, and Maradun LG of Zamfara State.
In Zurmi LG where a terrorist kingpin, Abdullahi Nasanda’s camp is located, the air component of Operation Hadrin Daji during an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance mission established the activities of terrorists and severally bombed the location.
They also took out terrorists sighted during the operation.
These were contained in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet.
The statement read, “Following carefully conducted observation missions over the Camps of terrorist kingpins, Abdullahi Nasanda in Zurmi Local Government Area and Mallam Tukur’s camp in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State, air strikes by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji on April 10, 2024, have led to the elimination of several terrorists and their structures.
“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance mission conducted on Abdullahi Nasanda’s camp had revealed terrorists’ activities around some huts and thatched roof structures. Some of their motorcycles were also observed hidden in trees. Having established that their activities were consistent with terrorists’ modes of operation, the location was struck by multiple aircraft passes, thereby neutralizing several terrorists.
“Similar ISR missions were conducted at Mallam Tukur Camp, where terrorists’ activities were also observed. Air strikes conducted on the Camp neutralized several terrorists and showed several structures set ablaze and destroyed.
“Air strikes were also extended to Kani kawa in Maradun town, under Maradun LGA of Zamfara State, where terrorists, their enclaves, and equipment were attacked and destroyed.”
The PUNCH reports that Zamfara is home to many deadly bandit leaders such as Ado Aleru; Bello Turji; Dogo Gudali; Kachallah Damina; Yellow Janbros and Alhaji Shanono.
During military operations, kingpins such as Damina and Alhaji Shanono have been killed, among others, while others like Turji and Aleru continue to commit serious crimes in the state.
