The air component of the special joint military taskforce, “Operation Whirl Punch,” successfully eliminated the notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin known as “Janari” and several members of his syndicate in Kaduna on Saturday.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the operation’s success in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday.
Janari and his cohorts had been implicated in various attacks and abductions within Kaduna State, particularly along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
The decisive airstrikes were authorized and executed after the intelligence identified Janari and his gang near Gadar Katako in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Gabkwet, reconnaissance missions indicated that the gang was amassing for a potential attack or kidnapping of vulnerable civilians, prompting the immediate airstrike on their location.
Gabkwet stated, “Intelligence report received after the strike revealed that Janari was indeed eliminated alongside several other terrorists and kidnappers.
“Similar air strikes were also carried out on Saturday on confirmed terrorists and kidnappers’ hideouts near Chukuba in Niger with various degrees of success.
“Feedback after the strikes was also positive as it confirmed that the targets were neutralised and their mobility destroyed.
“Collaborative efforts by the NAF and other security agencies will continue across all locations suspected to be harbouring terrorists and kidnappers,’’ Gabkwet added.
Credit: NAN