In a decisive operation, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch executed a precision air strike on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, resulting in the elimination of numerous terrorists, including the notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin, Yellow Jambros. In an official statement Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the targeted strike took place as the terrorists attempted to cross the Jikudna River in the Galadima Kogo District, en route to the Wurukuvhi axis of Chikun LGA.
Gabkwet said the sequence of events leading up to the air strike reveals a comprehensive tracking effort by the security forces. Yellow Jambros and his accomplices were trailed from Zamfara State into Niger State, traveling on 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger State border, specifically heading towards Kusasu in Shiroro LGA. Upon reaching Kusasu, an additional five motorcycle-riding terrorists joined Yellow Jambros’ convoy, bringing the total number of motorcycles to 18. The group then proceeded to the bank of River Jikudna.
At the river bank, the terrorists and their 18 motorcycles boarded a large motor-powered canoe with the intention of crossing the river and linking up with other terrorist elements. It was at this critical juncture that the decision to authorize a precision air strike was made. The successful strike not only neutralized Yellow Jambros and his associates but also resulted in the destruction of their motorcycles and the sinking of the boat.
He said the unusual daytime movement of the terrorists in a convoy of 18 motorcycles raised suspicions. However, it became evident that Yellow Jambros and his cohorts had wrongly assumed a temporary suspension of air strikes, likely influenced by the recent incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State. This miscalculation provided a window of opportunity for the security forces to take decisive action.
Yellow Jambros and his cohort have been linked to numerous kidnappings and killings along the Abuja-Kaduna Road and in various communities in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, and Zamfara States. In a chilling revelation, a kidnapped kingpin named Mohammed Sani, arrested by the police in Zamfara State in October 2020, claimed that he worked for Yellow Jambros. Sani asserted that Yellow Jambros supplied him with fake military and police uniforms, guns, and other weapons, facilitating his gruesome operations resulting in the deaths of over 50 victims due to their inability to meet ransom demands.
Gabkwet commended the success of the operation, emphasizing the significant blow dealt to the terror network in the region. The precision strike demonstrated the commitment of the security forces to eradicate terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the populace.
