NAF Airstrikes Neutralise Notorious Terrorist, Gang Members Terrorising Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

A notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin, popularly known as Janari, has been neutralised alongside members of his syndicate in air strikes by the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information
of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said Janari and his criminal gang met their Waterloo on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

According to the NAF spokesperson, “Janari and his cohorts have been responsible for several attacks and abductions within Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.”

He said the strikes were authorised after Janari and his gang were sighted at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The statement said intelligence surveillance revealed that the criminals “were massing up for a likely attack or kidnapping of vulnerable civilians, hence the need to immediately attack the location”.

Gabkwet said: “Intelligence received after the strike revealed that Janari was indeed eliminated alongside several other terrorists/
kidnappers.”

He added that similar air strikes were also carried out on January 20, 2024 on confirmed terrorists and kidnappers’ hideouts near Chukuba in Niger State with various degrees of success.

He said: “Feedback after the strikes was also positive as it confirmed that the targets were neutralised and their mobility destroyed.”

The statement said the NAF will continue to collaborate with other security agencies across all locations suspected of harbouring terrorists and kidnappers.