NAF airstrikes kill scores of bandits in Niger State

NAF airstrikes kill scores of bandits in Niger State

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised several bandits and destroyed their logistics base in a series of targeted airstrikes on Alawa Forest, located in Shiroro LGA, Niger State.

The statement, released on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, detailed that the operation was carried out on Tuesday following credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance, which revealed the infiltration of armed terrorists into the forest.

“These criminals are responsible for numerous violent activities, including two Improvised Explosive Device attacks in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, on December 19, 2024, that tragically claimed innocent lives,” Akinboyewa noted.

In retaliation, NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, named ‘Konan Daji’, aimed at crippling the terrorists’ operations and rendering the forest inhospitable.

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The operation saw the deployment of fighter aircraft for air interdiction missions in the region.

Upon arrival, the aircraft swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of numerous armed bandits and the destruction of their logistics base. Multiple secondary explosions confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes.

Akinboyewa affirmed that NAF, in close coordination with ground forces, remains determined to maintain operational supremacy in the region.

The Nigerian Air Force is committed to eradicating criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring long-term peace and security for communities in Niger and the wider region.

“This successful operation is a significant blow to the bandits and marks a major achievement in NAF’s continued efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region,” he concluded.

NAF airstrikes kill scores of bandits in Niger State

(NAN)