The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that a fighter jet from Operation WHIRL PUNCH destroyed a terrorist supply facility in Palele, near Shiroro, Niger State.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated, “Air attacks by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation WHIRL PUNCH (OPWP) have continued to devastate terrorists and their logistics, particularly in Nigeria’s Northwest and North Central regions. One such victory occurred on March 15, 2024, when NAF aircraft successfully targeted and destroyed terrorist logistics storage in Palele, near Shiroro, Niger State.
Acting on credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists’ weapons cache East of Palele, authorization was obtained to deploy air assets to neutralize the threat. The operation, which was executed with speed and precision, resulted in significant damage to the target area, including a secondary explosion confirming the destruction of arms and ammunition. The weapons are believed to be affiliated to a particular terrorist’s kingpin who is on the Most Wanted Lists of terrorists. These strikes have no doubt degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians, especially in Kaduna and Niger States.
The NAF, along with other surface forces, will continue to maintain dominance over areas of concern through enhanced situational awareness, continuous patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens. The need for support and information, especially from the general public on the activities of these terrorists and other criminal elements, is therefore critical to the success of ongoing operations.