The Nigerian Air Force announced that several terrorists were killed following air strikes on the Malum Forest in Kaduna State.
The operation was part of a larger mission carried out by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He said, “The Air Component planned and executed an Air Interdiction mission on 21 Aug 24 on the terrorists’ stronghold at Malum Forest. Battle damage assessment and feedback from local sources revealed several of the terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike.”
Gabkwet also mentioned that similar air strikes were conducted in neighbouring states, Zamfara and Niger, which successfully removed insurgents from their hiding places. He explained that most of the terrorists responsible for recent attacks on civilians, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State were hiding in Kaduna State.
“Additional intelligence further revealed the sightings of these terrorists as they relocated from Alawa Forest in Niger State after their nefarious acts to their stronghold in Malum Forest in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State,” Gabkwet added.
In Zamfara State, the terrorists were tracked to structures with zinc roofs in a vegetated area near a river line. “The targets were then acquired and engaged in successive passes,” Gabkwet stated.
Additionally, Gabkwet shared that air operations also took place in the Niger Delta Region, specifically over Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State and Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State.
These operations led to the destruction of several illegal refining sites and overhead tanks.
“In all, over 25 illegal sites were destroyed. In Greenville, Rivers State, a leaking pipeline was observed with the leakage spreading across over 150 meters radius with its attendant negative consequences on the vegetation, aquatic habitats, and farmlands,” Gabkwet explained.
