Terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, has been killed in a major air raid, the Air Force high command has confirmed.
Spokesman of the Nigerian Air force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who made the confirmation, added that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, was back in Kaduna to review ongoing operations and give further directives.
He said intensive air operations endured in the entire military theatres of operation, as NAF aircraft continued seeking and decimating enemies of the state in their attempts to make life unbearable for innocent Nigerians.
The spokesman said: “From the briefings received by the CAS, it is evident that so far, the directives given to the operational commanders are 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 went on: “In the North West specifically, the effect of strikes undertaken by NAF aircraft has revealed that several terrorists have been eliminated and their enclaves destroyed. One of such strikes, which occurred yesterday (Tuesday), August 9, 2022, resulted in the elimination of a well-known terrorist leader, Alhaji Shanono, operating in Kaduna State.
“Indeed, following receipt of intelligence that he had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 kilometres 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 authorisation to strike. Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralised while others sustained various degrees 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.