By Lawrence Audu
In a significant development in the ongoing battle against terrorism and kidnapping in the Northwest and Northcentral region of Nigeria, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has successfully eliminated a syndicate of terrorists in Kaduna State.
The strike, carried out in response to an intelligence report, targeted the movement of the syndicate along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet in a statement Monday said, intelligence report also linked the same syndicate to the recent ambush on troops at Kwanan Mutuwa on 27 January 2024, as well as several attacks and abductions of innocent civilians in Birnin Gwari.
Gabkwet said, upon reaching the suspected location, a thorough scan revealed a group of terrorists traveling in a convoy of approximately 15 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed individuals.
Subsequently, the terrorists were tracked to a location where they gathered before being engaged and neutralized in a precise air strike. The aftermath of the operation revealed that a significant number of the terrorists had been eliminated as a result of the strike.
The success of this operation has garnered the attention of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who praised the Component Commander for the achievement while cautioning that efforts must be sustained.
He emphasised, “While this does not call for celebration on our part, I must commend the professionalism of the crew for patiently trailing the criminals are apprehended.”
The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch’s proactive and successful operation against the terrorist syndicate in Kaduna State marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the region.
