Nigerian Air Force kills ‘several terrorists’ in north-east strikes
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its fighter jets have killed several terrorists and thwarted planned attacks during coordinated air strikes in Bukar Meram, located in the Southern Tumbuns, and Chikide in the Mandara mountains.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations and information, said the operations were conducted on Tuesday by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai.
Ejodame explained that the strikes followed credible intelligence reports and surveillance missions which confirmed terrorist activity in the affected areas.
According to him, NAF air assets targeted and destroyed logistics hubs, hideouts, structures, and assembly points used by the terrorists, while several insurgents were neutralised in the process.
He added that the operation also disrupted planned attacks being coordinated from the enclaves.
Speaking on the development, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, chief of the air staff, reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustained joint military operations alongside other security agencies and international partners to combat terrorism and restore peace across the country.
The air chief noted that intelligence-driven operations would continue to focus on dismantling terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and operational bases wherever they are located.
The latest strikes come amid intensified counterterrorism efforts in the north-east by the Nigerian military.
On Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters said recent joint operations involving Nigerian and US forces led to the killing of 175 ISIS fighters in the region.
