Nigerian Air Force Strikes Terrorists and Oil Thieves: Decisive Blows in National Security Efforts

On Saturday, April 28, 2024, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted airstrikes with precision targeting terrorist hideouts in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region. These operations, as reported by Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Air Force, have yielded significant results.

The strikes in the Shiroro LGA targeted the stronghold of notorious terrorist leader Mallam Umar and other high-ranking commanders in the Alawa Forest area. Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations had identified armed terrorists in compounds hidden within dense vegetation. These terrorists were confirmed to be responsible for recent attacks on ground troops and multiple incidents involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Gabkwet stated that the Air Component swiftly deployed its assets to eliminate the terrorists, resulting in effective damage to their hideouts and the neutralization of several terrorists. A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the success of the operation, with several terrorists neutralized and their hideouts destroyed, thereby diminishing their ability to launch further attacks on surface forces and civilians in the area.

Furthermore, airstrikes were also carried out in the Niger Delta region targeting economic saboteurs engaged in illegal refining of crude oil and oil theft. Surveillance over various locations including Ke, Egbema, Akaso Krakama, Krikama, and Military Council Valley revealed numerous illegal refining sites. The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe effectively destroyed 18 illegal refining sites and three Cotonou boats engaged in crude oil theft.

Gabkwet emphasized the environmental and economic impact of these operations, highlighting the destruction of illegal refining sites and the prevention of crude oil theft, which not only damages the environment but also undermines the country's economy.

This successful operation follows previous airstrikes in December 2023, where a notorious terrorist leader, Yellow Jambros, and over a dozen of his followers were neutralized while attempting to cross the Jikudna River in Galadima Kogo District, Kaduna State.

The Nigerian Air Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to combatting terrorism and economic sabotage, safeguarding national security and economic interests through precise and effective airstrikes.

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