19th March, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday said series of air strikes by its aircraft have decimated terrorists and their logistics in Niger State.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, in a statement said “Air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation WHIRL PUNCH (OPWP) have continued to decimate terrorists and their logistics, especially in the Northwest and North Central regions of Nigeria.”
He said one of such successes was recorded on 15 March 2024 when strikes by NAF aircraft successfully targeted and destroyed terrorists’ logistics storage situated in Palele near Shiroro in Niger State.
Gabkwet said acting on credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists’ weapons cache East of Palele, authorization was obtained to deploy air assets to neutralize the threat.
“The operation, which was executed with speed and precision, resulted in significant damage to the target area, including a secondary explosion confirming the destruction of arms and ammunition.
“The weapons are believed to be affiliated to a particular terrorist’s kingpin who is on the Most Wanted Lists of terrorists.
“These strikes have no doubt degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians, especially in Kaduna and Niger States,” he said.
He added that the NAF, along with other surface forces, would continue to maintain dominance over areas on concern through enhanced situational awareness, continuous patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens.
“The need for support and information, especially from the general public on the activities of these terrorists and other criminal elements, is therefore critical to the success of ongoing operations,” he said.