By Francesca Hangeior
Airstrikes from the air component of Operation Whirl Punch have killed several terrorists who attacked other security agents in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The terrorists, over 100 in number, were said to have engaged operatives from other security agencies in a fierce gun battle.
A statement on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the operatives, during the attack, requested air support.
Ali noted that after the operation conducted on Wednesday, 28 bodies of the terrorists had so far been recovered, adding that several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles were still being cleared.
He said, “In a decisive operation against criminal elements terrorizing communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a highly successful air interdiction mission on 11 September 2024.
“The mission targeted terrorists in Bassa, upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area.
“Upon arrival, Nigerian Air Force 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, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared”.
He stated that through the operation, the service had demonstrated its commitment to assisting other security agencies in the fight against crime across the country.
Ali said, “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.”
Shiroro Local Government in Niger State has been a hotspot for banditry activities.
The military withdrew its forces from the area after multiple attacks on troops by bandits in the local government.