The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, in collaboration with the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, successfully executed a joint operation on January 30, 2024, resulting in the elimination of scores of terrorists in Katsina State.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, the air strikes targeted a terrorist enclave situated on Tora Hills in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State. The airstrikes effectively dismantled the terrorists’ stronghold.
The initial strike was carried out by Nigerian Air Force aircraft, followed by a successful ground operation by troops to mop up fleeing terrorists. Gabkwet revealed that data from the Battle Damage Assessment and information from various sources confirmed that the air strikes significantly degraded the terrorists’ capabilities. This degradation, in turn, facilitated an efficient clearance operation by the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The coordinated efforts not only led to the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts on Tora Hills but also allowed ground troops to ascend and clear Tsora Hill. This hill had previously served as a refuge for terrorists in Safana Local Government Area.
The successful joint operation showcases the effectiveness of combining air and ground forces in degrading the operational capacities of terrorists and securing critical areas.