Nigerian Air Force Kills 28 Terrorists In Joint Operation In Niger State

Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Kabiru Ali announced on Thursday that its Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch killed at least 28 terrorists in strikes on Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State.

He said that the mission targeted terrorists in Bassa after friendly forces in the area requested air support. This was part of ongoing efforts to limit the actions of terrorists and bandits in the region.

A top security source added that the Nigerian Air Force's successes in Niger State came from a joint operation involving the Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, local vigilante groups, and hunters.

The DSS provided important intelligence that led to the precise strikes that killed many terrorists.

"After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists' positions. The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes," he said, Premium Times reported.

"As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared."

Ali further said that the successful operation highlighted the NAF's dedication to protecting the country and supporting other security agencies in fighting banditry, terrorism and other crimes.

He assured Nigerians that the NAF will keep conducting air operations, both alone and with other forces, to remove all kinds of threats that impact the country's peace, prosperity, and security.

A high-level security source confirmed that, based on critical intelligence from the DSS, a combined team of security forces including the NAF and other agencies, successfully repelled a Boko Haram and bandit attack on Bassa-Kukoki village, Allawa district, Shiroro LGA, Niger State, on Wednesday.

He mentioned that while the terrorists suffered heavy losses, sadly, three community members were killed by the fleeing terrorists. This contradicts some media reports that claimed three security personnel were lost during the operation.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu instructed Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle and military leaders to relocate to Sokoto State to address terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, not only in the state but in the wider North-West region.