NAF: Many terrorists killed, hideouts destroyed in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says many terrorists were killed in airstrikes conducted in Giwa and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna.

In a statement on Sunday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the air raids were conducted by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch.

Gabkwet said several terrorists were hit while their thatched roof huts were destroyed during the operation in the Giwa LGA on July 12.

“In one of the strikes carried out on 12 July 2024, at terrorist Alhaji Layi’s enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu village in Giwa local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State, several terrorists observed within the location were eliminated while their thatched roofed huts were burned down,” the statement reads.

“Similarly, their logistics, tucked under thick foliage, were also destroyed.”

During the airstrike conducted in the Malum forest in Igabi LGA on July 13, several terrorists who were operating freely in the bush were also killed.

“From the battle damage assessment footage, the terrorists were observed freely loitering around the forest at a compound with zinc-roofed structures,” he said.

“Subsequently, a precision strike was authorized, which eliminated most of the terrorists.”

The NAF spokesperson added that the airstrikes “were initiated following thorough and credible human intelligence, alongside intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations, which identified the targeted locations as enclaves of terrorists responsible for the ambush on troops at Manini on 10 July 2024”.

He assured that the air force will work with surface operatives to “maintain dominance in the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, regular patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens in its area of responsibility and neighbouring states”.