NAF Special Forces eliminate terrorist kingpin in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces have eliminated a notorious terrorist leader, Mustapha Abdullahi, along with five members of his group in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, announced the operation in a statement on September 1, 2024.

He explained that the special forces were deployed from the 413 Force Protection Group following an intelligence report received on August 31.

The report indicated that Abdullahi and his group had been spotted near the Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni Road.

The intelligence suggested that the group was planning to kidnap, harm, or kill innocent civilians.

When the Special Forces made contact with the terrorists, who were on motorcycles, the terrorists opened fire.

However, the troops responded with superior firepower, eliminating all members of the group.

The operation recovered five Dane guns, a sub-machine gun, live ammunition, charms, lighters, SIM cards, and cell phone cases.

AVM Gabkwet emphasized that efforts to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and surrounding areas of criminal activities remain ongoing.

He commended the troops for their success and urged them to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property in the region.

About NAF Special Forces

NAF Special Forces are an elite unit within the NAF, designed to carry out specialized military operations.

These include counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and other high-risk missions.

These forces are part of Nigeria’s broader special operations structure, which includes units from the Army and Navy, and they play a crucial role in ensuring national security.

NAF Special Forces personnel undergo rigorous training both in Nigeria and abroad.

Their training includes advanced combat tactics, intelligence gathering, and survival skills, tailored specifically for the asymmetric warfare they often face in Nigeria.

Specialized institutions and international partnerships with countries like Russia, Belarus, and Pakistan conduct this training.

These collaborations ensure that they are equipped with the latest techniques and methodologies in special operations.

The unit’s diverse composition includes experts in airborne operations, direct action, reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue.

The NAF Special Forces’ versatility enables effective operations across diverse environments, from northern Nigeria’s forests and savannas to urban settings.

They can also navigate remote areas where terrorists may hide.

Notable operations against terrorist

NAF Special Forces have conducted several high-profile operations that showcase their effectiveness. They include:

Defense of Yobe’s School of Special Forces (December 2021):

NAF Special Forces, in collaboration with Army units, successfully defended the School of Special Forces in Yobe State from an ISWAP attack.

The terrorists had employed a deceptive tactic, using cows as cover to avoid detection.

However, the Special Forces detected and neutralized the threat, preventing what could have been a significant breach.

Rescue Operation on Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road (January 2022):

In a daring rescue mission, NAF Special Forces rescued 26 kidnapped travelers from bandits along the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road.

The Special Forces tracked the kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to flee and leaving the hostages unharmed.

Counter-Terrorism Operations in Borno and Yobe States:

Over the years, NAF Special Forces have led operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno and Yobe states.

Their operations often involve air-ground integration, conducting ground assaults in coordination with NAF airstrikes.

This approach significantly disrupts terrorist operations and helps reclaim territory.

Strategic importance

The NAF Special Forces are a critical asset in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.

Their ability to conduct high-risk, high-reward operations with precision has made them a key component of Nigeria’s military strategy.

Their secretive operations enhance effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges by maintaining operational security.

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