NAF troops kill ‘terrorist kingpin, five fighters’ in Kaduna
Gabkwet said the operation which took place on August 31 while the troops were combing the forest.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its troops have killed Mustapha Abdullahi, a terrorist leader and five of his fighters during a gun battle in Sabon Gida forest, Igabi LGA of Kaduna.
Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday that a team of special forces received intelligence that terrorists were planning to carry out attacks on the people of Kaduna.
Gabkwet said the operation which took place on August 31 while the troops were combing the forest.
He said the troops overpowered the terrorists, killing their leader and five other members.
“Following an intelligence report received on August 31, 2024, that a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group were sighted near the Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni road in Igabi local government area, Kaduna State, with likely intent to kidnap, harm, or kill innocent civilians, a team of special forces from the Nigerian Air Force 413 Force Protection Group was dispatched to comb the location,” the statement reads.
“After making contact with the terrorists who were on motorcycles, on sighting the Special Forces, the terrorists immediately opened fire and were met with superior firepower by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.
“Items recovered from the terrorists included five dane guns, locally fabricated submachine guns, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, SIM cards, and phone cases.
“Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing.”
The NAF spokesperson commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to secure the lives and properties of citizens.
