In its ongoing commitment to eradicate terrorism and kidnapping activities in the Northwest and Northcentral regions of Nigeria, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has successfully eliminated a notorious syndicate of terrorists in Kaduna State.
Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet provided this update on Monday January 29, 2024.
He said the air strike, executed in response to credible intelligence, targeted the movement of the syndicate along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. The same syndicate was identified as responsible for the ambush on troops at Kwanan Mutuwa on January 27, 2024, along with numerous attacks and abductions of innocent civilians in the Birnin Gwari region.
Upon reaching the suspected location, a thorough scan revealed a convoy of terrorists consisting of approximately 15 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed individuals. Subsequently, the terrorists were meticulously trailed to a gathering point where they were engaged and neutralized through a precision air strike. The aftermath of the operation confirmed the elimination of several terrorists as a direct result of the strike.
The success of this targeted operation has garnered commendation from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. While acknowledging the professionalism displayed by the aircrew, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts in the ongoing campaign. Air Marshal Abubakar stated, “While this does not warrant celebration on our part, I must commend the professionalism of the crew for patiently trailing the criminals until an appropriate opportunity to strike presented itself. We must keep pushing and striving.”
