According to NAF spokesman, no less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by Alhaji Shanono and his men were released as a result of the air strikes.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) says it has neutralised a terrorists’ leader, Alhaji Shanono, and 18 of his men in Kaduna State.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, no less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by Alhaji Shanono and his men were released as a result of the air strikes.
He added that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, commended troops for the sustained air strikes against terrorists operating in the North West.
“One of such strikes which occurred on August 9, resulted in the elimination of a well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna State.
“Indeed, following receipt of intelligence on same day, that a well known insurgents kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna.
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“The Air Component of operation ‘Whirl Punch’ dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location.
“Overhead the location, insurgents were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorisation to strike.
“Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 insurgents, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralised while others sustained various degree of injuries.
“However, sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the insurgents were released as a result of the airstrike,” he added.
The NAF spokesman said Amao had addressed the commanders and reminded them of the need to remain steadfast and focused on the task ahead.
`’We can’t afford to let down our guards,” the CAS told the commanders.
Meanwhile, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East had conducted successful air interdiction missions on insurgents’ targets in Borno.