Nigerian Air Force Neutralizes Kidnap Syndicate on 15 Motorbikes in Kaduna Airstrike Operation

The Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, dedicated to combating terrorism and kidnapping in the North West and North Central regions, successfully eliminated a notorious kidnap syndicate in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This operation took place following an intelligence report indicating the movement of the syndicate along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the same syndicate had ambushed troops at Kwanan Mutuwa on January 27, along with various attacks and abductions in Birnin Gwari council area.

Upon reaching the suspected location, a meticulous scan revealed a convoy of about 15 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed terrorists. In response, a precision strike was executed, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the Component Commander for the success of the operation but emphasized the need to sustain efforts. He stated, “While this does not call for celebration on our part, I must commend the professionalism of the crew for patiently trailing the criminals until an appropriate opportunity to strike presented itself. We must keep pushing and striving.”