On August 13, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) dispatched a group of Helicopter gunships and fighter jets to target Ansaru position in the Kuduru forest in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
In a statement shared on August 15, Major General John Enenche, the Coordinator Defence Media Operations disclosed that the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike has neutralized several armed bandits at their camp in the Kuduru Forest area of Kaduna State.
“This was achieved through air strikes on August 13, 2020 on the heels of intelligence reports indicating the convergence of members of Ansaru Terrorist Sect-linked bandits group, led by one Mallam Abba, at the location.
āAerial surveillance missions conducted over the area also observed several bandits, some wielding weapons, in the forest,” he said.
Enenche added that Nigerian Air Force jets and helicopter gunships were therefore tasked to attack the location.
Several of the “bandits” were killed as the attack aircraft strafed the area, while others attempting to escape were mopped-up in follow-on attacks.
On August 7, the Al-Qaeda affiliate Ansaru claimed responsibility for an attack in Kaduna State.
On January 17, 2020 the same group claimed responsibility after it targeted the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum, Yobe State in Kaduna.
In response to the renewed threat from Ansaru, Special Operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the Nigeria Police backed by Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and the Police Airwing helicopter stormed Ansaru camp in Kuduru Forest.
In November 2013, the United States Department of State declared Ansaru, alongside Boko Haram, as foreign terrorist organizations.
The United Nations Security Council, the United Kingdom and the New Zealand government have also listed Ansaru as a terrorist organization.
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Malam Abba!