From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force(NAF), said it’s fighter jet under Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) have neutralized scores of terrorists/bandits and other criminals responsible for kidnappings and attacks along the Abuja/Kaduna highway and Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna state.
NAF, Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet ,said strikes became necessary following credible intelligence which revealed the presence of terrorist kingpin known as Boderi and his foot soldiers at Tsauni Doka at Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Gabkwet, in the statement said: “Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Aircraft under Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) have sustained air strikes against terrorists operating in the Northwest and North central Region of the Country leading to the decimation of several terrorist elements at Tsauni Doka at Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The strikes became necessary following credible intelligence revealed the presence of terrorist kingpin known as Boderi and his foot soldiers at Tsauni Doka. Subsequently, air strikes were carried out on the location in the early hours of 16 November 2023, with devastating consequences on the terrorists. Similar strikes with positive outcomes were also carried out at a location about 500 metres east of Boderi’s hideout, believed to be the hiding place of Boderi’s brother, Nasiru. Both strikes were termed very successful as several terrorists were neutralized and their motorcycles destroyed.
Boderi and his brother Nasiru, alongside their cohorts, have been blamed for several attacks and abductions along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road as well as in several communities in Niger and Kaduna States.