The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully executed a significant operation against terrorist elements in the Yadi Forest, located in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This mission, part of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP), targeted and destroyed a logistics base used by terrorists, resulting in numerous casualties.
The operation was initiated following credible intelligence reports indicating a substantial presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the forest. Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, stated, "The intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location."
Ali further explained that the logistics base belonged to Kadade Gurgu, a notorious terrorist kingpin and close ally of Dogo Gide. "Available intelligence revealed that Kadade Gurgu had been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States," he added.
The NAF deployed an aircraft supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform to carry out the strike. As the aircraft approached, terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and attempting to flee. "Subsequently, the targets were engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen," Ali reported.
Independent sources, including local informants, later confirmed that the logistics base was completely destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack. The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighboring states.
"This aims to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the Northwest and North Central region," Ali concluded.
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