In the Niger State local government area of Shiroro, several terrorists who attacked other security officers were killed by airstrikes during Operation Whirl Punch.
There were reports that more than a hundred terrorists engaged in a gunfight with operatives from different security organisations.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the operatives asked for air support during the attack.
Ali stated that during the operation performed on Wednesday, 28 bodies of the terrorists had so far been retrieved, adding that several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles were still being cleared.
“In a decisive operation against criminal elements terrorizing communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a highly successful air interdiction mission on 11 September 2024.
“The mission targeted terrorists in Bassa, upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area.
“Upon arrival, Nigerian Air Force air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight. 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. 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 stated.
He declared that the operation showed the service’s dedication to supporting other security agencies in the nation-wide battle against criminality.
He added “This successful operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting our sister Services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency, and all other forms of criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces, to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation.”
According to The PUNCH, banditry has been rife in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government, which is why the military withdrew its personnel after several bandits in the local government attacked its troops.
