The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a significant blow to terrorism in Niger State, announcing on Monday that precision airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralized several terrorists, obliterated a critical arms depot, and destroyed the residence of a notorious kingpin, Mallam Saleh, a loyalist of infamous bandit leader Dogo Gide.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Olusola Akinboyewa, detailed how Saleh’s reign of terror had devastated communities in Shiroro Local Government Area through relentless attacks, abductions, and extortion.
“On 16 November 2024, airstrikes successfully neutralized numerous terrorists in Palele, Shiroro Local Government Area, while destroying a munitions cache and the hideout of Mallam Saleh. Intelligence gathering and surveillance were key to this operation, ensuring precise targeting and significant impact,” Akinboyewa said.
During the mission, NAF aircraft identified terrorists on motorcycles in the target zone, striking with pinpoint accuracy.
A powerful secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of a weapons cache, delivering a critical blow to the terrorists’ operational capacity.
The airstrikes are part of the NAF’s broader strategy of logistics strangulation aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring peace in the region.
Akinboyewa emphasized the NAF’s continued collaboration with ground forces, saying, “Our logistics strangulation strategy is designed to degrade terrorist capabilities while protecting innocent lives. Together with surface forces, we will sustain dominance through constant patrols, situational awareness, and targeted interdictions.”
