The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported the successful neutralization of several Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in a series of airstrikes conducted on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.
Gabkwet stated that the airstrikes effectively obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts and dismantled their structures and strategic logistics base in the region. The operation specifically targeted the areas of Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu, with airstrikes taking place between September 27 and September 30.
These locations were selected after confirming the presence of terrorists who posed a significant threat to military installations and the safety of law-abiding citizens in the vicinity.
In the Tumbun Fulani area, NAF observed terrorists loading jerrycans onto two concealed gun trucks hidden among shrubs. NAF aircraft were promptly dispatched to intercept the location, which was believed to be a major logistics base. Subsequent to the strike, a Battle Damage Assessment revealed that numerous terrorists were neutralized, and the gun trucks were destroyed.
Similar airstrikes were carried out in the Tumbun Shitu region after structures suspected to be terrorists’ hideouts were spotted concealed under dense foliage. Three gun trucks transporting terrorists were identified moving into the area, necessitating the need for the strike. Post-strike assessments indicated that several terrorists were neutralized, and the trucks were destroyed.
Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to significantly curtail the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and other parts of the country. He highlighted the improved synergy and cooperation among all security agencies, as well as the unwavering support of the Nigerian populace, as key factors contributing to operational successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism.