By Solomon Odeniyi
Air strikes conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force have reportedly killed a notorious terrorist leader, Ali Kawaje aka Ali Kachalla, near Mangoro in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Kachalla is one of the 19 bandit leaders declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in November 2021.
His daring attacks include the downing of a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet from which the pilot, Abayomi Dairo, escaped in July 2021.
A security report sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday said Kachalla had attacked a detachment of security operatives deployed at Mangoro, noting that the attacked troops called the Air Force for reinforcement.
Sighting the fighter aircraft, the report added that Kachalla and his men withdrew from the location on 11 motorcycles.
The report said that the bandits were trailed to Kopa Hills where they were bombed.
It read, “There are strong indications that renowned and notorious terrorist leader, Ali Kawaje alias Ali Kachalla, may have been eliminated yesterday, 10 December 2023, through air strikes undertaken by aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force near Mangoro in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Information received from very reliable sources had revealed that Ali Kachalla had attacked a detachment of security operatives deployed at Mangoro Community in Munya LGA of Niger State. When alerted, aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Whirl Punch swiftly responded to support the troops in distress.
“Overhead the location, Kachalla, and his foot soldiers were sighted withdrawing from the location of the operatives on 11 motorcycles, but unknown to them, they were being trailed to their hideout near Kopa Hills where they took cover under a thick tree covering.
“It was at this point that the air strikes were authorized, which were decisive and swift, thereby ensuring effective and maximum damage on the terrorists. ”
The report stated that locals around the location disclosed to the troops that several terrorists, including Kachalla were killed in the operation.
“Our sources around the location, as well as locals around the vicinity revealed that several of the terrorists including the terrorist Kingpin Ali Kachalla, were eliminated as a result of the strike,” the report added.
When contacted, the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, declined comment on the operation.
He said he was yet to receive any brief about the air strike.
