Air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation WHIRL PUNCH (OPWP) have continued to decimate terrorists and their logistics, especially in the Northwest and North Central regions of Nigeria. One of such successes was recorded on 15 March 2024 when strikes by NAF aircraft successfully targeted and destroyed terrorists’ logistics storage situated in Palele near Shiroro in Niger State.
Acting on credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists’ weapons cache East of Palele, authorization was obtained to deploy air assets to neutralize the threat.
The operation, according to NAF Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, was executed with speed and precision, resulted in significant damage to the target area, including a secondary explosion confirming the destruction of arms and ammunition.
The weapons are believed to be affiliated to a particular terrorist’s kingpin who is on the Most Wanted Lists of terrorists. These strikes have no doubt degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians, especially in Kaduna and Niger States.
The NAF, along with other surface forces, will continue to maintain dominance over areas on concern through enhanced situational awareness, continuous patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens. The need for support and information, especially from the general public on the activities of these terrorists and other criminal elements, is therefore critical to the success of ongoing operations.
