National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
Gabkwet reported that the air forces have been relentless in their efforts to combat terrorists, disrupting their operations and infrastructure, thus reducing their ability to harm both military personnel and civilians.
In a recent operation on May 3, air interdiction was authorized and executed over Chinene, nestled within the Mandara Mountain region in the North East.
Intelligence indicated terrorists were gathering in the area, with seven gun trucks spotted under trees.
The aircraft targeted the assembly area, destroying weapons and vehicles, with the Battle Damage Assessment confirming successful strikes, neutralizing several terrorists, and eliminating their logistical support.
On the same day, airstrikes were carried out by the air unit of Operation Whirl Punch to target terrorists hiding in Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson explained that the operation was based on reliable intelligence indicating the movement of terrorists into the village after locals fled due to safety concerns.
Recall that the terrorists had previously attacked the deserted Allawa community on May 1, setting fire to the Central Primary School.
“In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of Shiroro.
“Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.
“On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.
“Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location,” he said.
Gabkwet concludes that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted air strikes in the northern areas of Arugbana and Temakiri within the Niger Delta region, targeting and dismantling illegal refining sites.
This operation aimed to reduce the ability of oil thieves to sabotage and damage oil pipelines in the region.
