ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Air Force executed a highly effective air interdiction mission, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists in Bukar Meram, Borno State, and Zamfara State. The operation, conducted on October 14, 2023, also saw the destruction of over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks used by the terrorists.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, issued a statement on Sunday, providing details of the successful operations.
The need for these air interdiction missions arose as intelligence reports indicated that terrorists had relocated from Suwa to the Bukar Meram area, near the Lake Chad region. This relocation was seen as a potential precursor to renewed attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians.
As a response to this threat, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out airstrikes in the Bukar Meram region. The operation aimed to neutralize the terrorists and degrade their capabilities, particularly in terms of attacking ground troops and civilians.
The results of the mission were highly successful, with several terrorists neutralized, and more than 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks destroyed. This substantial blow to the terrorist group is expected to hinder their ability to launch attacks on the ground and pose a threat to innocent Nigerians.
The Nigerian Air Force also conducted similar operations in Zamfara State, where a significant number of terrorists were eliminated. In this operation, approximately 70 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were destroyed.
Earlier, on October 11, 2023, the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji targeted terrorists near the Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara State. The terrorists, who were traveling in a convoy of about 70 motorcycles along the road from Kabaro towards Sangeko, were engaged by the Nigerian Air Force. The operation resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists, the destruction of their motorcycles, and injuries to others.
These successful air interdiction missions underscore the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to combatting terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. The military continues to actively engage and neutralize threats from various terrorist groups across the country.