By ADO SALISU
In a coordinated mission to support power restoration efforts in Kaduna and other northwestern states, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), last Tuesday had executed a series of air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions located deep within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of the Niger State.
A statement signed by the Director public relations and information of the Nigerian Air force, Headquarters, Air commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, stated that the mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.
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”, Air commodore Akinboyewa explained .