Twenty-two terrorists were neutralized during an air operation conducted by Air Force personnel in Katsina State.

Among those killed are foot soldiers of terrorist kingpin, Abdulkareen Lawal, popularly known as Abdulkareen Boss.

Abdulkareem Boss was alleged of masterminding the killing of a Nigerian Police Area Commander in Dutsin Ma on July 5, 2022.

Abdulkareem Boss with some of his foot soldiers was killed by air strikes in the Ruga forest in Katsina on August 5, 2022.

A military source on Thursday, however, said the attack that resulted in the death of the terrorists was based on intelligence received by troops.

The source said, “Over 22 terrorists mostly made up of foot soldiers of the deceased notorious terrorists’ kingpin Abdulkareen Lawal, aka Abdulkareen Boss, were on Monday, July 17, 2023, neutralised by air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at Batsari and Sola Poi II in Batsari and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

“The strikes were executed following credible intelligence reports that the terrorists were responsible for several abductions and violent attacks on some communities within Kankara LGA of Katsina State.”

When contacted, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the air strikes.

He, however, noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar had since his assumption of office, directed all air component commanders to synergise with other security agencies to target the terrorists’ hideouts.