Troops of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have successfully neutralized Mustapha Abdullahi, a notorious terrorist leader, during a gun battle in the Sabon Gida forest located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation, which took place on August 31, was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson. Gabkwet detailed that a team of special forces was dispatched to the forest following intelligence reports indicating that Abdullahi and his group were planning an attack on the local residents.
“Following an intelligence report received on August 31, 2024, that a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group were sighted near the Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni road in Igabi local government area, Kaduna State, with likely intent to kidnap, harm, or kill innocent civilians, a team of special forces from the Nigerian Air Force 413 Force Protection Group was dispatched to comb the location,” Gabkwet said.
“After making contact with the terrorists who were on motorcycles, on sighting the Special Forces, the terrorists immediately opened fire and were met with superior firepower by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.
“Items recovered from the terrorists included five dane guns, locally fabricated submachine guns, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, SIM cards, and phone cases.
“Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing.”
The NAF spokesperson praised the dedication of the troops involved in the operation and urged them to continue their efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens in the region.
