The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, led by the Nigerian Air Force, says it has effectively neutralised a terrorist syndicate in Kaduna State, in a move to combat terrorism and kidnapping in the Northwest and Northcentral regions of Nigeria.
The strike carried out along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, was announced in a statement signed by Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force on Monday.
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“The operation was based on actionable intelligence revealing the movement of the syndicate responsible for various attacks and the recent ambush on troops at Kwanan Mutuwa on January 27, 2024. The terrorists were also linked to numerous abductions of innocent civilians in the Birnin Gwari area.
“Upon arrival at the suspected location, a meticulous scan identified a convoy of about 15 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed terrorists.
“The terrorists were trailed to a convergence point, where they were engaged and neutralized in a precision strike. The aftermath of the air strike indicated that several terrorists were eliminated.
“The success of this operation has garnered attention from Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, who commended the Component Commander while cautioning that efforts must be sustained”, Gabkwet stated.
Abubakar stated, “While this does not call for celebration on our part, I must commend the crew’s professionalism for patiently trailing the criminals until an appropriate opportunity to strike presented itself. We must keep pushing and striving.
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The decisive action against the terrorist syndicate reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to maintaining security and combating threats to the region, with a focus on sustained efforts to ensure the safety of civilians and the elimination of criminal elements.
