The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on Sunday, August 7, that the leader of a terrorist group in Kastina, identified as Abdulkarim Lawal and 27 other terrorists were killed in airstrike operations.
NAF said in a statement that Lawal was part of the gunmen who attacked Aminu Umar, a police area commander, earlier in July, The Cable reports.
Following a recent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss a new security policy, the air force stated that the operation was a part of measures to increase security in the nation.
“After days of careful planning and coordination, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Saturday, August 6, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists’ enclaves and hideouts located at Rugu Forest in Katsina State,” the statement reads.
“Intelligence has since confirmed that the strikes have led to the elimination of one Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal, a.k.a. Abdulkareem Boss.
“Abdulkareem Boss was a high valued target who has been on the radar of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies for a while.
“He was based in Marina area of Safana LGA and was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustlings and kidnappings. He was known to regularly invite terrorists’ groups from other areas and regions to join him in attacks on targets.
“Specifically, he was part of the terrorist group that carried out attacks that eventually led to the death of the Nigerian Police Area Commander of Dutsinma on 5 July, 2022.
“Reports filtering in have since confirmed that Abdulkareem Boss was neutralized in the precision strike alongside 27 of his foot soldiers.”
The NAF added that it will continue to work with other security agencies to restore peace and normalcy as troops remain committed to “ridding the entire Northern region as well as the FCT of terrorists.”