The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has struck a major blow against terrorism, announcing that it successfully eliminated scores of terrorists during a precision airstrike in Kaduna State’s notorious Malum Forest. The terrorists, responsible for recent waves of violence, abductions, and cattle rustling in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, were targeted in the operation.
According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s spokesman, the airstrike was executed on Saturday, August 24, by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch, following detailed intelligence reports. These reports revealed that the terrorists had fled from Alawa Forest in Niger State to their stronghold in Malum Forest, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after their heinous acts.
“In response to the recent surge in terrorist activities targeting innocent civilians in Niger State, our air component has intensified efforts to track, locate, and eliminate the terrorists responsible,” Gabkwet stated.
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He confirmed that the airstrike dealt a significant blow to the terrorists, with a battle damage assessment revealing that many were neutralized. “Local sources have verified that several terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike,” he added.
The Nigerian Air Force didn’t stop there. Similar air raids were conducted in Zamfara State, targeting terrorist hideouts in the Maradun Local Government Area. The operation tracked terrorists to a cluster of zinc-roofed structures in a remote, vegetated area. Successive airstrikes were launched, further crippling the terrorists’ capabilities.
In a parallel operation, NAF’s air raids in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of over 25 illegal refining sites and overhead tanks. These operations were carried out over Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State, as well as Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State. Among the findings was a leaking pipeline in Greenville, Rivers State, with the spill spreading over a 150-meter radius, severely affecting the environment.
