NAF AIRSTRIKE KILLS 28 BANDITS, TWO DSS OPERATIVES IN NIGER
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…as terrorists invade secret police’s office in Bassa, engage operatives in fire fight
Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, on Wednesday, killed no fewer than 28 terrorists in strikes at Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.
NAF Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Capt. Kabiru Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
But a counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, focused on the Lake Chad region, had said the AirForce deployed Tucano jets after intelligence about the planned ambush by the suspected terrorists on the Department of State Services facilities in the area.
According to Makama, the airstrikes killed many bandits while two operatives of the DSS also died during the shootout.
“Two DSS personnel paid the supreme price during a gun battle with the bandits,” it said.
But the NAF deputy spokesman, who was silent on the terrorists’ attack on the DSS assets, said the operation was targeted at the criminal elements terrorising communities in the local government area.
He stated that the successful air interdiction mission was conducted on Sept. 11, upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area.
He the NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight.
The NAF statement partly read, “After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.
“The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes.
“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared.”
He added that the successful operation underscored NAF’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting sister services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.
The statement added, “Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.
“This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation.”
