‘High-valued terrorist’, 27 others killed in aerial bombardment

Abdulkareem Lawal, identified as a “high-valued terrorist”, has been killed during an aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

A statement by NAF says that troops of operation Hadarin Daji have killed Lawal, alongside 27 other bandits, in the airstrike in Katsina state.

NAF said Lawal was part of the gunmen who attacked Aminu Umar, a police area commander, in July.

“After days of careful planning and coordination, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, yesterday, 6 August 2022, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists’ enclaves and hideouts located at Rugu Forest in Katsina State,” the statement reads.

“Intelligence has since confirmed that the strikes have led to the elimination of one Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal, a.k.a. Abdulkareem Boss.

“Abdulkareem Boss was a high valued target who has been on the radar of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies for a while.

“He was based in Marina area of Safana LGA and was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustlings and kidnappings. He was known to regularly invite terrorists’ groups from other areas and regions to join him in attacks on targets.

“Specifically, he was part of the terrorist group that carried out attacks that eventually led to the death of the Nigerian Police Area Commander of Dutsinma on 5 July, 2022.

“Reports filtering in have since confirmed that Abdulkareem Boss was neutralised in the precision strike alongside 27 of his foot soldiers.”

The Air Force said they remain committed to “ridding the entire Northern region as well as the FCT of terrorism.”