The Nigerian Air Force has recovered at least 28 bodies after the Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a highly successful air interdiction mission on Wednesday, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State
The mission according to the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Kabiru Ali targeted terrorists in Bassa, upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area.
He disclosed that the operation was in a decisive operation against criminal elements terrorizing communities in the Local Government Area.
He explained that upon arrival, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight.
“After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.
“The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes. As of the time of reporting,
“This successful operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting our sister Services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces, to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation,” he stated.
It was learnt the Nigerian military fighter jets same Wednesday prevented terrorists in Niger State from totally vandalising assets of the Department of State Services (DSS).
A credible defence intelligence source informed PRNigeria that the troops, with the aid of Super Tucano jets belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), also succeeded in killing scores of terrorists who attacked the DSS facilities.
The intelligence operative pleaded anonymity, disclosing that the incident happened at the Bassa community of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the troops successfully carried out the onslaught against the terrorists following intelligence reports sent to the military command about an ambush attack on some DSS personnel and their assets.
“The Super Tucano jets were swiftly deployed for the purpose of matching the terrorists with superior force. And they didn’t disappoint,” he said.
