Over 28 Terrorists Killed by Military Airstrikes in Niger State

At least 28 terrorists were slain in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, according to the Nigerian Air Force on Thursday.

The Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch directed and coordinated intelligence-driven air operations that resulted in the death of no fewer than twenty-eight terrorists in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, according to a statement released by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday. Following a request for air support from friendly forces in the area, the mission targeted terrorists in Bassa as part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists and bandits freedom of action in the area, according to a statement from Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force.

According to a top security source, the Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, vigilante groups, and hunters in the impacted community collaborated on combined operations that led to the accomplishments the Nigerian Air Force recorded in Niger State. He went on to say that the precision strikes that resulted in the deaths of numerous terrorists were made possible by reliable intelligence supplied by the DSS.

“Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air assets, on arrival, observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight,” stated the NAF Deputy Spokesperson. The NAF carried out precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions after verifying the locations of friendly troops. Numerous terrorists were eliminated in a series of brutal strikes.

According to Ali, the mission proved the Nigerian Air Force’s dedication to safeguarding the country and assisting other security agencies and sister services in their fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

He gave Nigerians the assurance that the NAF would keep conducting air operations to destroy any threats to the peace, prosperity, and security of our wonderful country, both on its own and in coordination with surface forces.

A highly placed security source who is familiar with DSS operations also confirmed that the terrorists were killed. On September 11, 2024, a team of security operatives made up of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other sister agencies successfully repelled a group of Boko haram terrorists and bandit elements who attacked Bassa-Kukoki village, Allawa district of Shiroro LGA, Niger State. This action was taken in response to critical intelligence received from the Department of State Services (DSS).

He reported that while several more terrorists, weapons, and burned motorcycles were still being removed from the target area, no fewer than 28 bodies had been found there.

He said that although the dissidents had suffered enormous losses, the terrorists who were escaping had tragically killed three community members. In contrast to media claims that state forces lost three personnel during the operation, he made this statement.

He also said that on September 7, 2024, DSS agents from Delta State Command stopped a wooden vessel that was carrying over 37,000 barrels of crude oil. Five suspects linked to the event were detained during the operation, he said, and are currently undergoing profiling and investigation.

The insider also revealed that on September 9, 2024, a DSS and military team collaborated to capture a prominent figurehead of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He said that information confirming his active participation in the planning of IPOB operations in Ebonyi State led to his detention. He said that in order to be ready for more attacks in Ebonyi State, the leading IPOB leader had enlisted the services of other mercenaries. He came to the conclusion that the suspect had been found in possession of more than 600 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, among other things.