The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) successfully carried out airstrikes against terrorist groups in both the Northeast and North Central regions of the country on May 3, 2024. These operations were conducted under the ongoing efforts of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch, aimed at combating terrorist activities.
Why It Matters
In the Northeast, near the Mandara mountains in Borno State, a group of terrorists were spotted gathering in a location called Chinene. Acting on intelligence, the NAF launched an airstrike, effectively neutralizing the terrorists and destroying their vehicles.
Similarly, in the North Central state of Niger, terrorists had taken refuge in the deserted village of Allawa, near Shiroro. These terrorists had previously attacked the village, burning down the Central Primary School. Following credible information about their presence, the NAF conducted another airstrike, engaging the terrorists directly and destroying their weapons cache hidden within the Allawa Forest.
What They Are Saying
Gabkwet said, “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 the 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. Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location.
Bottom Line
These successful operations demonstrate the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to protecting the country from terrorist threats. The airstrikes not only neutralized the immediate danger posed by these groups but also disrupted their ability to operate and cause further harm.
