The Nigerian Air Force, NAF High Command, said on Sunday that in continuation of its sustained intensive air operations against armed terrorists’ hideouts in Kaduna State and its environs, its airstrikes conducted under the aegis of Operation WHIRL PUNCH (OPWP) have destroyed a terrorist logistics base at YADI Forest in GIWA LGA of Kaduna State.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Group Captain Kabiru Ali

It explained that the operation was executed on the basis of credible intelligence reports indicating a huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi Forest.According to the statement, “intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location.“Additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist kingpin KADADE GURGU, a close ally of DOGO GIDE.

“Furthermore, available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF Air Component revealed that KADAGE GURGU has been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following the aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara State.

“Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target.

“The target area initially appeared uninhabited. However, as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

“Subsequently, the target was engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke.

Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.”.

The statement assured that the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with surface forces, would continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states, adding that “this aims to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the Northwest and North Central region.