The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has executed precision air strikes targeting terrorists’ hideouts in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State and against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.
The strikes resulted in significant damage to the strongholds of notorious terrorist kingpin, Mallam Umar, and several other commanders, as well as the disruption of illegal activities in the Niger Delta.
The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted air strikes on Saturday, 27 April 2024, with the aim of neutralizing terrorist threats in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
In Shiroro LGA, the strikes targeted the stronghold of Mallam Umar, a notorious terrorist kingpin, and several other commanders located in the Alawa Forest area.
Extensive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations had identified clusters of huts within compounds, indicating the presence of armed terrorists responsible for recent attacks on ground troops and multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) incidents.
The air strikes effectively eliminated the terrorists and destroyed their hideouts, significantly reducing their ability to pose a threat to civilians and security forces in the area.
Simultaneously, in the Niger Delta region, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe targeted economic saboteurs engaged in illegal activities such as crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Surveillance operations revealed numerous illegal refining sites in Ke, Egbema, Akaso Krakama, Krikama, and Military Council Valley, which were promptly destroyed.
Additionally, a Cotonou boat loaded with crude oil product was intercepted and destroyed at Akaso Krakama, preventing further illegal activities.
These coordinated air strikes have dealt a severe blow to terrorist elements in the Northwest and oil thieves in the Niger Delta, significantly reducing their ability to threaten national security and harm the well-being of citizens.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to maintain extensive situational awareness, conduct constant patrols, and target criminal safe havens across the nation.
