The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft deployed for Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has successfully destroyed a terrorists’ logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement by NAF’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, revealed that the airstrikes were conducted on Friday, 27 September 2024, following credible intelligence reports indicating a significant presence of terrorists and their weapons in the Yadi Forest.
Ali noted that intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance further confirmed the presence of the terrorists and their motorcycles at the location. According to the statement, additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to notorious terrorist kingpin Kadade Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.
In his remarks, Ali said, “In continuation of its sustained intensive air operations against armed terrorists’ hideouts in Kaduna State and its environs, the Nigerian Air Force under the aegis of Operation WHIRL PUNCH has destroyed terrorist logistics base at YADI Forest in GIWA LGA of Kaduna State. The operation was executed on Friday, 27 September 2024, following credible intelligence reports indicating a huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi forest.”
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He further emphasized that “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.”
Ali confirmed the effectiveness of the operation, stating that the aircraft recorded successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames. “Accordingly, the air component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 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.”
He continued, “Subsequently, the targets were engaged in 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 destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.”
Group Captain Ali assured that the Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to carry out the attack. He reiterated that the initial assessment showed the area was uninhabited until the aircraft approached.
“Subsequently, the target were engaged recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen,” Ali added. According to him, reports from independent sources, including local informants, confirmed that the logistics base was completely destroyed and many terrorists were killed as a result of the operation.
He concluded by assuring the public that the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battle space through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighboring states.
Ali stated that the operation was targeted at decimating and flushing out terrorism and criminal activities within the North-West and North-Central regions.
