MANGORO, Nigeria – A Nigerian military jet, under Operation Whirl Punch, has reportedly conducted successful air strikes against a group of terrorists in Niger State, possibly leading to the death of the wanted terror kingpin, Ali Kawaje, also known as Ali Kachalla.
The incident unfolded after a team of security operatives on patrol in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State were ambushed by armed bandits.
Defence intelligence sources informed PRNigeria, who exclusively reported the news on Monday, December 11, 2023, that the security team, stationed at Mangoro Community, was attacked by a group led by Ali Kachalla.
Responding swiftly to the crisis, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft were dispatched to the scene. The terrorists, including Kachalla and his foot soldiers, were reportedly retreating on motorcycles when they were traced to their hideout near Kopa Hills. Utilizing the cover of thick trees, they were initially concealed from view.
However, the NAF aircraft successfully located the terrorists. “The air strikes were decisive and swift, ensuring effective and maximum damage on the terrorists,” a military intelligence source said.
The strikes reportedly resulted in the elimination of over 50 terrorists, including the possibility of Kachalla.
The fate of another notorious terrorist leader, Dogo Gidei, remains uncertain, although he was recently spotted in the area.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, was contacted for comments but declined to make any definitive statements, citing a lack of detailed briefings on the strike.
This operation follows closely on the heels of another successful action by the NAF, which resulted in the elimination of another terrorist leader, Yellow Jambros.
These back-to-back successes suggest a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region, raising hopes for an end to the reign of terror imposed by these groups.
