Air strikes executed by the Air Components of Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Hadarin Daji have destroyed terrorists’ camps in Kaduna and Katsina States respectively.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet in a statement, said several terrorists were killed in the air strikes.
According to AVM Gabkwet, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch carried out air strikes targeting stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State between 30 – 31 May, 2024.
He said the strikes were authorised after Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations conducted in the targeted vicinity revealed several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds amid thick vegetation.
He said the surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering around the huts and over 13 motorcycles seen tucked under a large umbrella tree.
The NAF’s spokesman added that a targeted exploitation of multiple sources also revealed that the terrorists at the location were responsible for most of the attacks and kidnappings in several communities within Birnin Gwari, Igabi and Giwa LGAs.
“Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched its available air assets to strike the location. Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment,” he said.
He said some of the surviving terrorists following a tip-off had relocated 500 meters west of the interdicted location, however, “a follow-up strike was immediately conducted, with a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealing the neutralisation of several terrorists and their hideouts engulfed in flames”.
The Director said similar airstrikes were also carried out by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji on 2 June, 2024 after intelligence revealed the location of terrorists’ kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
He said the location was also observed to be having a cluster of huts and zinc roofed structures with multiple human and livestock movements.
Accordingly, an air interdiction was authorised and conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility.
He said “after the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footages and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames”.
He reassured that the NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to sustain domination of the battle space through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens within its various Areas of Responsibility.
“Still, a whole of society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimise the threats posed by criminal elements,” he added.