The Nigerian Air Force says the operations of the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch have continued unabated, with remarkable levels of success being recorded.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, on the 12th of July, at terrorist Alhaji Layi’s enclave situated in Kufan Shantu village in Giwa LGA, several terrorists were observed and eliminated.
Their thatched-roof huts were burned down, and their logistics, tucked under thick foliage, were also destroyed.
Similarly, airstrikes conducted on the 13th of July over terrorists’ camps situated inside Malum forest in Igabi LGA also recorded positive outcomes after the targets were acquired and engaged.
The statement explains that from the battle damage assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zinc-roofed structures, where precision strike was authorized, which eliminated most of the terrorists.
The statement points out that the airstrikes were initiated following thorough credible intelligence, along with intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on July 10.
It assures that the Nigerian Airforce, alongside surface forces, will maintain dominance in the battle space through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens in its area of responsibility and neighbouring states.
PR/Usman Sani.
