The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, said its troops had executed a series of air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions located deep within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, Director, Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement said the aim was to support power restoration efforts in Kaduna and other northwestern states.
“This mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas, ” Akinboyewa said.
The strike followed series of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters who were converging to disrupt ongoing power restoration.
According to him, the air component, acting swiftly on this intelligence, planned and carried out a successful airstrike to neutralise the threat.
“NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics with precise firepower.
“Alongside these interdictions, the NAF has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, maintaining airspace dominance to prevent any potential terrorist interference in the restoration efforts,” he stated.
The NAF spokesman said the sustained mission underscores NAF’s commitment to collaborate with other security agencies in protecting vital infrastructure and ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighbouring states.
NAF conducts air interdictions to support power restoration in Kaduna