Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Air raid by the Nigerian Air Force in Katsina State have killed no fewer than 22 terrorists, some of them believed to be foot soldiers of terrorist kingpin, Abdulkareen Lawal, popularly known as Abdulkareen Boss.
The raid was carried out based on intelligence received by troops.
Sources said Abdulkareem Boss was alleged mastermind of the killing of a Nigerian Police Area Commander in Dutsin Ma on July 5, 2022.
Earlier air raids by NAF led to death of Abdulkareem Boss and some of his foot soldiers in the Ruga forest in Katsina on August 5, 2022.
The source said, “Over 22 terrorists mostly made up of foot soldiers of the deceased notorious terrorists’ kingpin Abdulkareen Lawal, aka Abdulkareen Boss, were on Monday, July 17, 2023, neutralised by air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at Batsari and Sola Poi II in Batsari and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“The strikes were executed following credible intelligence reports that the terrorists were responsible for several abductions and violent attacks on some communities within Kankara LGA of Katsina State.”
Meanwhile, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, has confirmed the air strikes.
He, however, noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar had since his assumption of office, directed all air component commanders to synergise with other security agencies to target the terrorists’ hideouts.
