NAF reports that numerous terrorists were killed in airstrike in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force reported on Sunday that a number of terrorists were killed during an airstrike on Malum Forest in Kaduna State. The force stated that these terrorists were largely responsible for recent attacks on civilians, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, explained that the operation was executed on Saturday, August 24, by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch. He noted, “In response to the recent surge in terrorist activities targeting innocent civilians in Niger State, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch has intensified efforts to track, locate, and eliminate the terrorists involved.”

Gabkwet added that intelligence revealed many of the terrorists responsible for recent incidents in Niger State had moved to Malum Forest in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, from Alawa Forest in Niger State. He mentioned that the air interdiction mission on August 24 targeted their stronghold, resulting in significant casualties among the terrorists.

He also reported that similar operations were conducted in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where terrorists’ hideouts at Bayan Ruwa were attacked. These hideouts, located in a vegetated area with limited access, were successfully targeted.

Additionally, Gabkwet highlighted air raids in the Niger Delta region that led to the destruction of illegal refining sites and overhead tanks. Patrols over Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State and Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State uncovered and destroyed over 25 illegal sites. In Greenville, Rivers State, a leaking pipeline was observed, affecting a radius of over 150 meters, with detrimental effects on vegetation, aquatic habitats, and farmlands.