By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of a terrorist Kingpin Abu Fatima by troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion under 19 Brigade of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, in Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the operation, which was launched in the early hours of Thursday from the Kukawa axis, was a carefully planned decapitation mission targeting terrorist leadership in the region.
Major General Kangye disclosed that the Special Forces executed a deep commando strike into the terrorists’ enclave with the primary objective of neutralizing Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty placed on him for any credible intelligence leading to his capture.
“There was an intense and fierce gun battle between the terrorists and our troops,” the statement read.
“However, the superior firepower of our gallant forces prevailed, resulting in the elimination of Abu Fatima alongside his team of bomb and IED-making experts. Troops also destroyed the terrorist camp and recovered IED-making materials.”
Additional items recovered from the scene included AK-47 rifles, several magazines loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition, and other military-grade ordnance.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed that military operations will continue across the country within the bounds of the law and in adherence to global best practices and respect for human rights.
“The Military remains resolute in its determination to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. We call on citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear and to continue providing credible information that will support military efforts,” the statement added.
