'We call on Nigerians' Many eliminated as NAF attacks Bello Turji associate enclave in Zamfara

Fighter jets of the Nigerian Air force (NAF) have bombarded the hideout of notorious gun runner Mallam Ila at Manawa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the gun runner was the major supplier of sophisticated weapons to the notorious terrorist, Bello Turji in Zamfara.

“The NAF aircraft under Operation Hadarin Daji carried out the strikes on the enclave of Mallam Ilu in the evening of 18 November 2022.

“Mallam Ila remains a high value target due to his closeness and association with terrorist leaders Bello Turji and Dan Bokoyo. Their foot soldiers have also been responsible for attacks in Shinkafi general area of Zamfara State as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.

“After the airstrike on the location, multiple explosions were observed with huge fireballs, indicative of other high inflammable materials hidden in the location. Scores of terrorists were eliminated during the operation,” a security operative told PRNigeria.

Another source revealed that Mallam Ila narrowly escaped but sustained serious injuries from the bombardment.

Confirming the attack, the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, said that military operations continued to curtail the excessess of bandits and terrorists in the states.

He said: “The NAF and other security agencies remain on track to seeing the ongoing counterterrorism effort to a conclusive end.

“We call on Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies with information on activities of criminal elements as solving the current security impasse requires the involvement of all.”