Operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) and the troops of Nigerian Air Force have neutralised scores of bandits who attacked Bassa-Kukoki village, Allawa District of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was learnt that the terrorists were killed shortly after the air troops who flew Super Tucano jets rained airstrikes on them following an intelligence provided by the DSS through its facilities about the planned ambush by the criminals.
A highly-placed official within the security circle, told Daily Trust in Abuja that at least 3 members of the community were killed by the fleeing terrorists during the operations, adding that no security personnel was affected during the gun duel.
“In that operation that happened in Shiroro in Niger State on Wednesday, no security personnel was lost, but some of the fleeing terrorists killed three villagers before they (terrorists) later met their waterloo,” the top security officer confided in our correspondent.
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Giving an insight into how the operation went, the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information at NAF, Kabiru Ali, a Group Captain, said no fewer than 28 bandits were eliminated during the operations.
Ali explained that the operation was targeted at the criminal elements terrorising communities in the local government area, adding that upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area he air interdiction was carried out.
The NAF spokesman, who did not speak on the terrorists’ attack on the DSS assets, also disclosed that air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight before troops attached with Operation Whirl Punch stepped in.
He said, “After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions. The strikes were devastating, neutralising dozens of terrorists in successive passes.
“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared.”
Ali said the successful operation underscored the NAF’s commitment to protecting the nation and supporting sister services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces,” the Air Force spokesman said.
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