Nigerian Air-Force Launches Devastating Airstrikes Against Terrorist Stronghold In Kaduna (Details)

Nigerian Air-Force Launches Devastating Airstrikes Against Terrorist Stronghold In Kaduna (Details)

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted significant airstrikes that obliterated a terrorist enclave in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The strikes, carried out between May 30-31, 2024, were part of Operation Whirl and targeted the infamous terrorist Buharinyadi’s stronghold in the Bula Forest area.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, disclosed that the operation was prompted by meticulous Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which identified clusters of thatched-roofed huts and over 13 motorcycles under a large umbrella tree, indicating a high concentration of armed terrorists.

Gabkwet stated, “Executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, the strikes were prompted by painstaking ISR operations. Overhead the location, scores of terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment.”

Following the initial attack, a follow-up strike was launched after receiving intelligence that some surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the initial target. This subsequent operation resulted in further neutralization of terrorists and destruction of their hideouts, with post-strike assessments confirming the area was engulfed in flames.

In a related operation, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji executed similar airstrikes on June 2, 2024, targeting terrorist kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State. These strikes, based on intelligence reports, aimed to dismantle another terrorist hub comprising clusters of huts and zinc-roofed structures.

“Accordingly, air interdiction was authorised and conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility,” Gabkwet noted. Post-strike feedback confirmed the success of these operations, with numerous terrorists eliminated and their structures destroyed.

The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with ground forces, continues to maintain air dominance, ensuring extensive situational awareness and constant patrols to disrupt and dismantle terrorists’ safe havens across various regions. The NAF reiterated its commitment to a whole-of-society approach to mitigate threats posed by criminal elements.