The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported that air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation WHIRL successfully eliminated a notorious terrorist and kidnap leader named Janari, along with several members of his criminal group.
This information was shared in a statement by NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet on Sunday.
According to Gabkwet, Janari and his associates have been responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings in Kaduna state and along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The decision to authorize air strikes was made when Janari and his gang were identified at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
It was discovered through further intelligence that they were gathering for a potential attack or kidnapping operation against civilians, prompting the immediate need for intervention.
Gabkwet emphasized that after the strikes, intelligence indicated that Janari was successfully eliminated, along with several other terrorists and kidnappers.
Additionally, similar air strikes were carried out on January 20, 2024, targeting confirmed hideouts of terrorists and kidnappers near Chukuba in Niger state.
The outcomes varied, but positive feedback confirmed the neutralization of the identified targets and the destruction of their means of mobility.
The NAF spokesperson highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NAF and other security agencies in addressing locations suspected of harboring terrorists and kidnappers.
This collective approach aims to enhance security across various areas prone to such criminal activities.
The commitment to maintaining such operations underscores the resolve to safeguard vulnerable civilians and combat the threat posed by these criminal elements.
