Air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have destroyed terrorists’ enclave in Giwa Local Government of Kaduna State, according to a statement by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet.
Gabkwet, on Tuesday, reported that the strikes occurred between May 30 and May 31, 2024, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Whirl.
The statement said, “Executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the strikes were prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations, conducted in the targeted vicinity where several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds were observed amid thick vegetation,”.
Furthermore, the surveillance confirmed a significant presence of armed terrorists loitering around the huts, with over 13 motorcycles sighted tucked under a large umbrella tree.
Additionally, the statement highlighted targeted exploitation of multiple sources, revealing that the terrorists at the location were responsible for the majority of attacks and kidnappings in several communities within Birnin Gwari, Igabi, and Giwa LGAs.
Consequently, the Force dispatched its available air assets to strike the location.
“Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment,” the statement added.
After receiving intelligence that some surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the targeted area, the Force conducted a follow-up strike. A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralization of several terrorists and their hideouts engulfed in flames.
Similarly, on June 2, 2024, air strikes were conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji in Northwest Nigeria. Intelligence had pinpointed the location of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his associates at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
The area was observed to have a cluster of huts and zinc-roofed structures, with numerous human and livestock movements detected.
“Accordingly, air interdiction was authorised and conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility.
“After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footage and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames,”.
The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, said they would continue to sustain domination of the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens, within its various Areas of Responsibility.
“Still, a whole-of-society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimize the threats posed by criminal elements,” the statement added.