The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the that the air component of Operation Whirl Stroke has continued achieving remarkable levels of success in spite of the weather challenges hampering ongoing efforts to diminish the capabilities of terrorists and criminal elements in the North-West.

To this end, it said, the force has eliminated scores of terrorists in recent airstrikes in their enclaves at Giwa and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

This was made known in a statement by NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet.
According to him, one of the strikes was carried out on Friday at Alhaji Layi’s enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in the Giwa Local Government Area, which destroyed terrorists’ logistics tucked under thick foliage.

Also, Gabkwet said, similar air strikes conducted on Saturday over terrorists’ camps inside Malum Forest in the Igabi Local Government Area also recorded positive outcomes.

“From the Battle Damage Assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zinc-roofed structures. Subsequently, a precision strike was authorized, which eliminated most of the terrorists.

“These air strikes were initiated following thorough credible human intelligence, along with intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on July 10.

“The Nigerian Air Force, alongside surface forces, will maintain dominance in the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens in its area of responsibility and neighboring states.

“This approach aims to effectively eliminate and eradicate terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-West and North Central regions,” he said.