The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that in recent airstrikes as part of Operation Whirl Stroke, scores of terrorists have been eliminated in their strongholds located in the Giwa and Igabi local government areas of Kaduna State.
AVM Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson for the NAF, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja detailing the successful air operations.
Despite facing weather challenges, Gabkwet emphasized that the airstrikes have continued unabated, achieving significant success in efforts to degrade the capabilities of criminal groups in the North-West region.
He specified that one of the airstrikes targeted Alhaji Layi’s enclave in Kufan Shantu Village, Giwa Local Government Area, on Friday, resulting in the destruction of terrorist logistics hidden under dense foliage.
Additionally, Gabkwet noted that similar airstrikes conducted on Saturday in Malum Forest, Igabi Local Government Area, also resulted in positive outcomes against terrorist camps.
“From the Battle Damage Assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zinc-roofed structures.
“Subsequently, a precision strike was authorised, which eliminated most of the terrorists.
“These air strikes were initiated following thorough credible human intelligence, along with intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on July 10.
“The NAF, alongside surface forces, will maintain dominance in the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens in its Area of Responsibility and neighbouring states.
“This approach aims to effectively eliminate and eradicate terrorism and other criminal activities in the North West and North Central regions,” he said.
