Air strikes kill kidnap kingpin, Janari in Kaduna

Air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have killed a kidnap kingpin, popularly known as Janari, and several members of his gang in Kaduna.

Air Vice Marshall, Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday.

Gabkwet explained that Janari and his cohorts were killed on Thursday, January 18, at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said Janari and his gang were responsible for several attacks and abductions along Abuja-Kaduna highway and within Kaduna State.

He said the air strikes were authourised after Janari and his gang were sighted at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Gabkwet explained that further exploitation revealed that Janari and his gang were massing up for a likely attack or kidnap vulnerable people, which informed the need to immediately attack the location.

“Intelligence received after the strike revealed that Janari was indeed eliminated alongside several other terrorists/kidnappers.

“Similar air strikes were also carried out on 20 January 2024 on confirmed terrorists and kidnappers’ hideouts near Chukuba in Niger State with various degrees of success.

“Feedback after the strikes was also positive as it confirmed that the targets were neutrlized and their mobility destroyed,” he stated.