The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) said it has destroyed thirteen motorcycles and terrorist hideouts in Kaduna and Katsina States in recent air strikes.
The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch said it conducted air strikes on terrorist strongholds in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The strikes carried out between May 30-31, 2024, targeted the infamous terrorist Buharinyadi’s enclave in the Bula Forest area.
NAF confirmed the success of the operation in a statement signed by Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, on Tuesday.
The strikes were based on detailed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which revealed several clusters of thatched huts and a significant presence of armed terrorists.
The ISR noted over 13 motorcycles hidden under a large tree, indicating the terrorists’ readiness for rapid movement.
The gathered intelligence identified the terrorists at this location as responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings across the Birnin Gwari, Igabi, and Giwa LGAs.
Consequently, air assets were deployed to strike the location, resulting in significant damage to the terrorists and their equipment.
Follow-up strikes targeted surviving terrorists who had relocated 500 meters west of the initial site, further neutralizing several combatants and destroying their hideouts.
In a related operation, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air strikes on June 2, 2024, targeting the hideout of another terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Iliya, at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
Intelligence indicated the presence of multiple huts and zinc-roofed structures with heavy human and livestock movement.
The subsequent air interdiction was successful, eliminating several terrorists and setting their structures ablaze.
The NAF, in collaboration with ground forces, remains committed to dominating the battlespace through continuous surveillance, patrols, and targeted strikes on terrorist havens.
The NAF emphasized that a collaborative, society-wide approach is crucial to reducing the threat posed by criminal elements in the region.