On Sunday, September 1, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, said its special forces have neutralized a notorious terrorist kingpin in Kaduna State.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation followed intelligence report received on 31 August 2024 that a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group were sighted near Sabon Gida Forest along Sabon Birni Road in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

According to him, the intelligence report indicated that the terrorists intend to kidnap, harm or kill innocent civilians.

As a result of the development, a team of Special Forces from the Nigerian Air Force 413 Force Protection Group was dispatched to comb the location.

“After making contact with the terrorists who were on motor cycles, on sighting the Special Forces, the terrorists immediately opened fire and were met with superior fire power by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.

“Items recovered from the terrorists included 5 den guns, locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, sim cards and phone cases,” the statement said.

The NAF spokesman added that efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals and their activities are ongoing.