In a coordinated mission to support power restoration efforts in Kaduna and other northwestern states, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 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.
A statement by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa disclosed that the mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.
He said the strikes followed series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters who were converging to disrupt ongoing power restoration.
According to him, the air component, acting swiftly on this intelligence, planned and carried out a successful airstrike to neutralise the threat.
“Overhead the target area, NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics with precise firepower,” he said.
He noted that 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,” he added.
