Reports indicate that airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force personnel have allegedly resulted in the death of a notorious terrorist leader, Ali Kawaje, also known as Ali Kachalla, near Mangoro in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Kachalla, identified as one of the 19 bandit leaders declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in November 2021, has been involved in audacious acts, including the downing of a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet in July 2021, from which the pilot, Abayomi Dairo, managed to escape.
According to a security report obtained by newsmen on Tuesday, Kachalla targeted a security operatives’ detachment in Mangoro. The report highlighted that the attacked troops sought Air Force reinforcement.
Upon the sighting of the fighter aircraft, the report mentioned that Kachalla and his associates retreated from the location, utilizing 11 motorcycles. The report further stated that the bandits were tracked to Kopa Hills, where airstrikes were carried out.
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 reached for comment, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, refrained from providing information on the operation. He mentioned that he had not yet received any briefing about the airstrike.