The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a significant victory against terrorist elements in Kaduna State, following a series of coordinated air strikes on the Malum Forest. The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, successfully targeted and eliminated numerous terrorists who had sought refuge in the dense forest. This information was disclosed by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesman, in a statement released on Sunday.
The targeted air strikes were executed on Saturday, August 24, as part of a broader strategy to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the region. Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet highlighted that these operations were not confined to Kaduna State alone; they were also extended to Zamfara and Niger States, where insurgents have been known to maintain strongholds. These efforts are part of the ongoing commitment by the Nigerian military to address the security challenges posed by these groups, which have been responsible for a range of criminal activities including attacks on civilians, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
The NAF spokesman provided further insights into the intelligence that guided these operations. According to him, the terrorists responsible for recent violent incidents in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State had been traced back to their base in Kaduna State. “Additional intelligence further revealed the sightings of these terrorists as they relocated from Alawa Forest in Niger State after their nefarious acts to their stronghold in Malum Forest in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State,” Gabkwet said. This movement was identified through the use of aerial surveillance and local informants who have been pivotal in providing real-time information on the activities of these terrorist cells.
In response to this intelligence, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch meticulously planned and launched an air interdiction mission on August 21, 2024, targeting the terrorists’ base in Malum Forest. According to Gabkwet, a battle damage assessment carried out after the strikes, along with reports from local sources, confirmed that a significant number of terrorists were neutralized during the operation. The precision of these strikes is a testament to the enhanced capabilities and readiness of the Nigerian Air Force in conducting counter-insurgency operations.
The air operations were not limited to Kaduna State. Similar strikes were carried out in Zamfara State, particularly targeting terrorists’ hideouts in the Bayan Ruwa area of Maradun LGA. These hideouts, identified by their distinctive zinced-roofed structures located in a vegetated area with limited access points, were effectively engaged by the Air Force. The terrain, characterized by few footpaths and a river line to the northwest, provided a challenging environment, yet the strikes were executed with precision, resulting in the elimination of the targets.
In addition to these counter-terrorism efforts in the northern regions, the Nigerian Air Force also conducted operations in the Niger Delta. The air component of Operation Delta Safe carried out patrols over areas including Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State, as well as Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State. These operations led to the discovery and destruction of over 25 illegal refining sites, which have been a persistent issue in the region. These sites, often hidden in remote areas, pose significant environmental risks due to the hazardous refining processes used.
During these patrols, the air component observed a leaking pipeline in Greenville, Rivers State, where the oil leakage had spread across a radius of over 150 meters. This spill not only threatened the local vegetation and farmlands but also posed a severe risk to aquatic habitats, highlighting the broader environmental impact of illegal refining activities. The destruction of these illegal sites and the mitigation of such spills are crucial steps in protecting the ecological balance of the region and ensuring the safety of local communities.
These comprehensive military operations underscore the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security and maintaining stability across all regions. The collaboration between various components of the Nigerian military and the use of advanced intelligence and technology play a vital role in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminal activities.
