By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has successfully neutralized scores of bandits and dismantled a major logistics base at Alawa Forest in Niger State, following a three-day airstrike operation.
The strike, part of the ongoing counter-terrorism initiative ‘Operation Fansan Yamma’, was carried out on January 21, after intelligence revealed an influx of armed terrorists linked to recent violent attacks in the region, the NAF said in a statement on Thursday.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed the success of the operation, stating, “This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and restoring peace to affected communities. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to collaborate with ground forces to eliminate all criminal elements in the region”.
The NAF said its air assault targeted the heart of the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area, a known hideout for terrorists responsible for deadly Improvised Explosive Device, IED attacks in December last year, which claimed several innocent lives.
Upon identifying the location, the NAF said fighter jets were deployed in precision strikes, effectively neutralizing numerous armed bandits and destroying their logistical infrastructure. Multiple secondary explosions were reported, confirming the success of the mission, the NAF said.
This decisive action comes as part of the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained efforts to eliminate terrorist threats and restore security to the communities in Niger State and surrounding regions.
The operation, codenamed Konana Daji, highlights the NAF’s commitment to ensuring that Alawa Forest and similar strongholds are rendered uninhabitable for criminal elements.
The NAF said its forces remain in close coordination with ground troops, focused on ridding the area of all criminal factions and securing long-term peace for local residents.
