The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully destroyed a logistics base used by terrorists in Yadi Forest, located in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement from Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, the operation was conducted on Friday, September 27, following credible intelligence reports that indicated a significant presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the area.
He reported that independent sources, including local informants from the surrounding region, confirmed the destruction of the terrorists’ logistics base and indicated that numerous terrorists were killed as a result of the airstrike.
“Intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location,” the statement partly read.
The statement said that additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kadage Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.
Furthermore, 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”.
“Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target. The target area initially appeared uninhabited.
“However, as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area. Subsequently, the target was engaged in recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke.
“Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.
“The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states. This aims to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the Northwest and North Central region.”