NAF airstrikes ‘kill terrorists, destroy arms depot’ in Niger

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says airstrikes conducted in Palele, Shiroro LGA of Niger state, killed several terrorists.

In a statement on Monday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF spokesperson, said the airstrikes, carried out on November 16, also destroyed a major arms depot and the residence of Mallam Saleh, a notorious kingpin and loyalist of Dogo Gide.

“Saleh’s reign of terror had left residents in fear through attacks, abductions, and extortion,” the statement reads.

Akinboyewa added that NAF aircraft spotted terrorists on motorcycles in the target area before executing precise airstrikes.

“The aircraft destroyed the arms depot, and a secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of the munitions,” he said.

He described the operation as part of the NAF’s “logistics strangulation strategy, aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring peace to the region”.

“The impact of this strike cannot be overstated. It has crippled the operational capabilities of Saleh and his group,” the NAF spokesperson added.

Akinboyewa said the operation will provide relief to affected communities in Shiroro and its environs.

“We will continue to conduct regular patrols, maintain situational awareness, and carry out targeted interdictions to protect innocent lives,” he said.