By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Stroke has eliminated scores of terrorists in recent airstrikes in their enclaves at Giwa and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the air operations had continued unabated with remarkable levels of success being recorded in spite of the weather challenges hampering ongoing efforts to diminish the capabilities of criminal elements in the North West.
He said that one of the strikes was carried out on Friday at Alhaji Layi’s enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in Giwa Local Government Area.
Gabkwet said that their logistics tucked under thick foliage were also destroyed.
According to him, similar air strikes conducted on Saturday over terrorists’ camps inside Malum Forest in 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 NAF, 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. (NAN)