By Milcah Tanimu
Ali Kawaje, also known as Ali Kachalla, a notorious terrorist leader and one of the 19 bandit leaders declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in November 2021, is believed to have been killed in air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force near Mangoro in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. Kachalla, known for daring attacks, including the downing of a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet in July 2021, reportedly attacked security operatives at Mangoro. Following the attack, the Air Force was called for reinforcement, and Kachalla and his men withdrew from the location on motorcycles. They were then traced to Kopa Hills, where air strikes were authorized, resulting in effective and decisive action against the terrorists. Locals and sources around the area indicated that several terrorists, including Kachalla, were eliminated in the operation. The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, declined to comment on the operation as he had not yet received a brief about it.
