No less than 16 bandits were killed when airstrikes by the Operation Hadarin Daji air component attacked their enclave along Kaura Namoda Road in the Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state.
Also, during the operation, a wanted terrorist kingpin, Gwoska Dankarami, was said to have narrowly escaped death.
According to a military report seen by our correspondent on Sunday, Dankarami escaped with injuries during the operation on New Year’s Eve.
The military report cited a source familiar with the terrorist kingpin’s modus operandi who confirmed hearing the terrorist lamenting the military’s determination to eliminate him and his family.
The report stated: “He was also heard to complain bitterly about the New Year’s Eve airstrikes, which lasted several hours, killing more than 16 of his cohorts and destroying his newly built home and enclave.
“According to the source, Dankarami also expressed deep concern about the dire situation he found himself in since it became apparent that the military was hell-bent on eliminating him at all costs.”
When contacted, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the airstrikes, noting that Dankarami and his ilk remain persons of concern to the NAF and all security agencies as a result of the evil they have perpetrated.
“The directive from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, that there is no hiding place for all terrorists and their followers, wherever they may be, remains active even as we cross the New Year,” he added.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior written permission of PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
