Nigerian Military Jets Kill Terrorists Planning To Vandalise Transmission Lines Repair In Niger State
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized a group of terrorists attempting to disrupt repairs on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line in Niger State. This action comes after recent disruptions in electricity supply across parts of northern Nigeria, caused by terrorist attacks on power infrastructure. In October, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that these attacks led to power outages in several northern regions, though power was later restored on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV line following extensive repairs to a vandalized tower.
According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, electricity supply resumed last week between Wednesday and Thursday.
On Monday, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed in a statement that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions had identified terrorist fighters gathering to hinder repair efforts on the transmission line. Acting on this intelligence, the NAF launched air interdiction operations to eliminate the threat.
“In a coordinated mission to support power restoration in Kaduna and other northwestern states, NAF executed a series of airstrikes on November 1, 2024, targeting terrorist positions in the Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State,” Akinboyewa explained. He noted that these operations align with ongoing security efforts to protect critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity restoration in affected areas.
The NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and dismantling their logistics. To maintain security, the Air Force has intensified armed reconnaissance along key power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, securing the airspace to prevent further interference with restoration efforts.
“This sustained mission underscores NAF’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to protect essential infrastructure and ensure swift restoration of services for Kaduna and neighboring states,” Akinboyewa added.
