The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported on Sunday that several terrorists were killed during an airstrike targeting the Malum Forest in Kaduna State.
The operation, conducted on August 24 by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, aimed to address the recent surge in terrorist activities affecting civilians, including abductions and cattle rustling in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, explained that intelligence had identified Malum Forest as a stronghold for terrorists relocating from Alawa Forest in Niger State.
He said, “In response to the recent upsurge of terrorists’ activities targeting innocent civilians in Niger State, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has continued in its efforts to track, locate and eliminate the terrorists responsible.”
Gabkwet noted that the operation resulted in the elimination of several terrorists. He stated, “Battle damage assessment and feedback from local sources revealed several of the terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike.”
Read also: Rustlers, gunrunners arrested in Kaduna as police foil Kidnap attempt
In addition to the Kaduna operation, similar strikes were executed in Zamfara State.
Gabkwet reported, “Similar strikes were also conducted on terrorists’ hideouts at Bayan Ruwa in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. The terrorists were tracked to zinc-roofed structures in a vegetated area with few footpaths and a river line Northwest of the location. The targets were then acquired and engaged in successive passes.”
Furthermore, air raids in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of numerous illegal refining sites and overhead tanks.
Gabkwet noted, “In the Niger Delta Region, patrols conducted by the air component of Operation Delta Safe over Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State and Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State revealed several illegal refining sites and overhead tanks which were effectively destroyed.”
He added, “In all, over 25 illegal sites were destroyed. In Greenville, Rivers State, a leaking pipeline was observed with the leakage spreading across over 150 meters radius with its attendant negative consequences on the vegetation, aquatic habitats, and farmlands.”
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