TheCable

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says many terrorists were killed during airstrikes conducted in Allawa village, Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

In a statement on Sunday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the airstrikes were conducted by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch on May 3.

Gabkwet said the terrorists attacked a primary school in Allawa while another group of insurgents also invaded Galapai village in Shiroro LGA on May 1.

“Similar airstrikes were conducted same day, 3 May 2024, when the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted pre-emptive air strikes over terrorists hibernating in Allawa village, near Shiroro in Niger state,” the statement reads.

“The mission was conducted following credible intelligence, which had revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety.

“These terrorists had, on 1 May 2024, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) and torched the Central Primary School.

“In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo district of the same LGA.

“Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.

“On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.”

He said the troops raided Allawa forest and destroyed a cache of arms hidden in the location by the terrorists following credible intelligence.

He added the troops in another operation, conducted an air strike at Chinene in Mandara mountain and killed several terrorists.

Mandara mountain is located along the northern part of the Nigeria-Cameroon border from River Benue.

“Within the same location, 7-gun trucks were also observed parked under trees. Accordingly, air interdiction was authorised and conducted over the assembly area and tree coverings to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility,” Gabkwet said.

“After the strike, battle damage assessment footages as feedback received later revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.”