The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNH has successfully targeted and destroyed terrorists’ logistics storage situated in Palele near Shiroro in Niger State.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, reveals that the feat was recorded on 15 March 2024.
Acting on credible intelligence of 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”, Gabkwet said, while assuring that 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.
He, therefore, emphasised the need for support and information, especially from the general public on the activities of these terrorists and other criminal elements, which is critical to the success of ongoing operations.
