The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP), successfully destroyed a logistics base used by terrorists in Yadi Forest, located in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement released by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, the airstrikes were conducted on Friday, September 27, 2024, following credible intelligence reports revealing a heavy presence of terrorists and their weapons in the area.
“Intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance further confirmed the presence of the terrorists and their motorcycles at the location,” Group Captain Ali said.
The statement also disclosed that the destroyed logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist leader Kadade Gurgu, a close associate of Dogo Gide, another infamous terror kingpin. Gurgu has reportedly been providing shelter to criminal elements fleeing military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
“Available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF Air Component revealed that Kadade Gurgu has been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara State,” Ali stated.
The Air Component, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, dispatched aircraft to strike the target. Though the area initially appeared uninhabited, some terrorists were later seen fleeing from under the shrubbery as the aircraft approached.
“The target was engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke visible,” Ali reported.
Subsequent reports from independent sources, including local informants, confirmed that the logistics base was completely destroyed, and scores of terrorists were killed in the attack.
Group Captain Ali emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force, in coordination with surface forces, remains committed to dominating the battle space, ensuring extensive situational awareness, and conducting continuous patrols and targeted strikes to neutralize terrorist activities within the North-West and North-Central regions.
He reaffirmed that the ongoing operations aim to decimate and flush out terrorist and criminal activities in the region.
