BASSA, Nigeria — Nigerian military forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on assets belonging to the Department of State Services, DSS, in Niger State, killing scores of assailants in an aerial strike.
The operation took place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in the Bassa community of Shiroro Local Government Area and was carried out with the aid of Super Tucano jets from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.
A defense intelligence source, who requested anonymity, informed PRNigeria that the military’s intervention prevented the terrorists from completely destroying DSS assets.
According to the source, the swift response followed an intelligence report warning of an ambush targeting DSS personnel.
“The Super Tucano jets were swiftly deployed for a purpose. And they didn’t disappoint. The NAF jets’ strikes eliminated no fewer than 30 bandits. However, the casualty on the part of the intelligence officers was low,” the operative told PRNigeria.
The exact nature of the DSS assets under attack has not been disclosed, but the successful airstrikes are seen as a significant victory for the military in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorist activity in Niger State, which has seen increasing violence from insurgent groups in recent years.
The Nigerian military continues to rely on both intelligence and advanced air capabilities to suppress terrorist threats across the country, particularly in regions like Niger, where insurgents frequently target security personnel and government assets.
This latest operation underscores the critical role that air power plays in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. The NAF’s rapid response helped to prevent significant losses and damage to the DSS.
The incident marks a continuing trend of intensified military actions aimed at curbing insurgency in northern Nigeria, where terrorist factions and bandits have been destabilizing rural communities.
