The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch carried out a deadly airstrike on Wednesday, targeting terrorist elements in Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The strike led to the deaths of at least 28 terrorists, according to a statement by NAF Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Capt. Kabiru Ali, released on Thursday in Abuja.
The incident followed intelligence reports that terrorists were planning an attack on a Department of State Services (DSS) facility in the area.
A counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, which monitors terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, reported that the NAF deployed Tucano jets after receiving information about the planned ambush.
The subsequent airstrikes resulted in significant casualties among the bandits, but also saw the loss of two DSS operatives who died during the ensuing gunfight.
“Two DSS personnel paid the supreme price during a gun battle with the bandits,” the publication reported.
Capt. Ali, while not mentioning the specific attack on the DSS facility, explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to target and eliminate criminal elements terrorizing local communities.
He stated that the mission was launched on September 11 after receiving a request for air support from ground forces engaged in a fierce battle with over 100 terrorists.
The NAF conducted precision airstrikes after carefully identifying the positions of friendly forces, leading to the neutralization of dozens of terrorists.
Capt. Ali noted that as of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered, and several terrorists, along with their weapons and burnt motorcycles, were still being cleared from the area.
He highlighted the successful operation as evidence of NAF’s ongoing commitment to protecting the nation and supporting other security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces,” the statement added.
