By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian Air Force, NAF has begun conducting air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions in Kaduna and other Northwestern states, as part of a coordinated mission to support power restoration efforts and secure power infrastructures.
Nigerian Pilot recalls that the federal government had directed for a coordinated and collaborative effort by security agencies and power authorities to restore power in the region.
In a statement late Monday, the NAF said its men “on 1 November 2024, executed a series of air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions located deep within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State”.
“This mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas,” the NAF said.
Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information noted that the strike followed a series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters who were converging to disrupt ongoing power restoration.
“The air component, acting swiftly on this intelligence, planned and carried out a successful airstrike to neutralize the threat. Overhead the target area, NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics with precise firepower.
“Alongside these interdictions, the NAF has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, maintaining airspace dominance to prevent any potential terrorist interference in the restoration efforts. This sustained mission underscores NAF’s commitment to collaborate with other security agencies in protecting vital infrastructure and ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighboring states,” the NAF added.