In a recent operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delivered a decisive blow to terrorists in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, neutralizing over 28 insurgents in a series of precision airstrikes. This successful mission was disclosed by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information at the NAF, in a statement released on Thursday.
According to the statement, the airstrike was part of the broader Operation Whirl Punch, which has been actively targeting insurgent groups in various parts of the country. The specific mission took place on Wednesday, September 11, following an urgent request for air support from friendly ground forces engaged in combat with terrorists in Bassa.
Group Captain Ali explained that upon receiving the request for assistance, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch swiftly deployed air assets to the scene. Upon arrival, the NAF reconnaissance team identified a large group of over 100 heavily armed terrorists who were locked in a fierce firefight with friendly forces. This development prompted an immediate and decisive response from the air units.
Once the positions of the friendly forces were confirmed to avoid collateral damage, the NAF air assets carried out a series of precision airstrikes, targeting the terrorist positions with devastating accuracy. The airstrikes, executed in successive passes, inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents, neutralizing dozens of them on the spot. As of the latest report, 28 bodies had been recovered from the area, although it is believed that the actual death toll may be higher as the clearance operations are still ongoing. Several weapons, motorcycles, and other items used by the terrorists were destroyed or seized during the operation.
The statement further emphasized the significance of this victory, underscoring the NAF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and supporting joint military operations aimed at eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent criminal activity. The NAF, working in collaboration with other branches of the Nigerian military and security agencies, continues to play a crucial role in counterinsurgency efforts across the country, particularly in regions where banditry and terrorism have taken a significant toll on local communities.
“This successful mission underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s dedication to protecting the lives and properties of citizens, as well as its resolve to work hand in hand with sister services and other security agencies to root out all threats to national peace and security,” Group Captain Ali said in the statement.
He reassured Nigerians that the NAF remains fully committed to its role in national defense and will continue to conduct air operations both independently and in close coordination with ground forces to ensure the total elimination of all terrorist elements. The Air Force’s consistent success in its operations has contributed to the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in regions affected by insurgency and violent criminal groups.
In the broader context, the Nigerian military has ramped up its efforts in recent months to dismantle the operational capabilities of terrorist factions and bandit groups operating within Niger State and other parts of northern Nigeria. The NAF’s contributions, particularly through air support, have been pivotal in giving ground forces the upper hand in engagements with well-armed and mobile insurgent units. Such collaborations between air and ground units have proven to be an effective strategy in disrupting the activities of insurgents and mitigating the threat they pose to civilian populations.
As clearance operations continue in the area, further reports are expected to confirm the extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorist group and the recovery of additional weapons and supplies. The ongoing efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure that these violent groups are dismantled and that peace is restored to the region. The NAF, along with other security forces, remains vigilant and ready to respond swiftly to any emerging threats, reaffirming their commitment to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
This operation serves as a reminder of the significant role that air power plays in modern warfare, especially in a counterinsurgency context, where precision strikes and quick response times can be the difference between victory and prolonged conflict. With operations like this, the Nigerian military is steadily gaining ground against the insurgents, pushing the country closer to a future free from the scourge of terrorism and banditry.
