The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated scores of terrorists in the Alawa Forest in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger S totate.
The air strikes resulted in the neutralisation of several extremists and the destruction of weapons.
Zagazola Makama reports that the operation was executed based on precision intelligence, which indicated that key JAS leaders, such as Saddiku, Umar Taraba, and Kabiru Doctor, were believed to be residing in the area.
The sustained airstrikes in the Alawa forest coupled with the dry season exposing traditional hideouts, have prompted extremist groups to flee the area.
The Alawa Forests have long been suspected as a hideout for terrorist factions, including elements of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS).
The damaging strikes also resulted in the destruction of multiple weapons, eight motorcycles and various technical vehicles during the operation.
It was gathered that the extremists are relocating to Birnin Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna State, indicating a shift in their operational base.
Investigation revealed that Birnin Gwari, previously recognised as a stronghold for Ansaru elements aiming to establish a caliphate, would likely serve as the focus for future air missions to maintain operational momentum against insurgent threats.