Less than 24 hours after the Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa charged troops to eliminate terrorists, over 100 armed bandits have been killed by military airstrikes in North-West Nigeria.
A defense intelligence source told PRNigeria that the joint military operation was undertaken after obtaining credible intelligence in banditry-prone communities in Kebbi and Zamfara axis.
The source, who also shared images from the theatre, said it was ‘merciless military operation’ that was well coordinated between the air component and the ground troops.
“The Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji successfully neutralized several terrorists and their leaders around Sangeko axis of Maru LGA, Zamfara State.
“The bandits were identified, following intelligence reports of mass gathering and planned movement towards Niger State. The terrorists were in a convoy of several motorcycles, on the road track leading from Kabaro towards Sangeko.
“Subsequently, the aircraft engaged the terrorists with several of them neutralized. Their motorcycles were also destroyed”.
When contacted, spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the development. He was however, reluctant to give figures of casualties.
“The operation in that axis today was very successful, but I am sorry I can’t speak on the figure because the mission is still ongoing,” he said.
It would be recalled that Christopher Musa had asked Nigerian troops not to wait for Boko Haram terrorists to attack first before taking the fight to them.
Speaking to troops at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri during an operational visit on Tuesday, the CDS urged the troops to take the battle to the insurgents, adding that a soldier who comes to the theatre is not complete without killing the armed terrorists.
“Don’t just come and sleep in the theatre, make sure you look for enemies who terrorize our people and kill them.
“Anybody who comes to the theatre and finishes without killing one Boko Haram is not complete.
“So you must make sure before you go, look for them, that’s the only way we can finish them completely.
“They should not be looking for us, we should be looking for them.
“Do not go and sit down until they attack and we repel, there is nothing like repel, go and find and kill them.”
Speaking further, Musa said President Bola Tinubu recognises the sacrifices and commitment of the troops in the fight against insurgency.
“The president said he is happy with us and wishes us all the very best”.
