The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday confirmed that it has killed a terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shanono.
A statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwe, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, indicated that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, is reviewing the ongoing air operations in Kaduna State.
This newspaper learned that Alhaji Shanono was eliminated on Tuesday.
“Air Marshal Amao, was back to Kaduna earlier today 10 August 2022 to review ongoing operations and give further directives,” NAF’s statement reads.
“This is even as intensive air operations endured in the entire military theatres of operation as NAF aircraft continue to seek and decimate enemies of the state in their attempts to make life unbearable for innocent Nigerians.
“From the briefings received by the CAS, it is evident that so far, the directives given to the operational commanders is yielding the requisite outcome.
“Air Marshal Amao, in addressing the commanders, reminded them of the need to remain steadfast and focused on the task ahead. ‘We can’t afford to let down our guards’, he said.
“In the Northwest specifically, the effect of strikes undertaken by NAF aircraft have revealed that several terrorists’ have been eliminated and their enclaves destroyed.
“One of such strikes which occurred yesterday, 9 August 2022 resulted in the elimination of a well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna State.
“Indeed, following receipt of intelligence on 9 August 2022 that a well known terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location. Overhead the location, terrorists 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 authorization to strike.
“Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralized while others sustained various degree of injuries.
“Sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the terrorists were released as a result of the airstrike.”
NAF said due to the offensive, most terrorists are contemplating surrendering, “just like others before them”.
