The Nigerian Air Force aircraft deployed for Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has destroyed terrorists’ logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa local government area of Kaduna State.
A statement by NAF’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali said the airstrikes were conducted on Friday, 27 September 2024, following credible intelligence reports indicating huge presence of terrorists and their weapons in the Yadi Forest.
He said intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance further confirmed the presence of the terrorists and their motorcycles at the location.
According to the statement, additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to notorious terrorist kingpin Kadade Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.
“Available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF Air Component revealed that Kadage Gurgu has been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following the aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara State,” he said.
Group Captain Ali added that the Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target, adding that the target area initially appeared uninhabited.
He however said that as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.
“Subsequently, the target were engaged recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen,” Ali said.
According to him, reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists killed as a result of the attack.
He assured that the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battle space through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states.
Ali said the operation was targeted at decimating and flushing out terrorism and criminal activities within the North-West and North-Central regions.
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