By Abraham Olatunbosun
Desirous of dominating and sustaining efforts aimed at ridding Nigeria’s North-west of terrorists’ activities, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation Hadarin Daji on the evening of 18 November 2022 carried out strikes on the enclave of notorious terrorist leader and gun runner, Mallam Ila, located about 9km East of Manawa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who confirmed the strikes, also said “After the air strike on the location, multiple explosions were observed with huge fireballs, indicative of other high inflammable materials hidden in the location.”
Gabkwet said seven terrorists were also confirmed eliminated while Mallam Ila narrowly escaped but sustained critical injuries.
Mallam Ila remains a high value target due to his closeness and association with terrorist leaders Bello Turji and Dan Bokoyo.
Ila, Turji and Bokoyo’s foot soldiers have also been responsible for attacks in Shinkafi general area of Zamfara State as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet maintained that strikes on key terrorists and their hideouts continue until all areas are rid of enemies of the State.
According to him, ‘The NAF and other security agencies remain on track to seeing the ongoing counterterrorism effort to a conclusive end.’
He then called on Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies with information on activities of criminal elements as solving the current security impasse requires the involvement of all.
