NAF Eliminates Terrorists In Borno In Deadly Airstrikes

Several terrorists in Borno state have been killed following deadly airtsrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Neusroom has gathered.

This much was disclosed by NAF Spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, in a statement issued on Thursday.

The operation was targetted at the Tumbuns area near Lake Chad area of the state.

Gabkwet confirms that the operation was carried out after NAF had done due Surveillance, Intelligence, and Reconnaissance missions over the location on August 22nd, 24th, and 26th this year.

According to the Spokesperson, NAF struck after the other terrorists had to relocate to higher grounds due to their hideout being laid bare by recent flooding in the area.

“In a major blow to the remnants of terrorists hiding in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully conducted an air interdiction mission at Jubillaram, in southern Tumbuns.

“The operation was made possible following the forced migration of remaining terrorists to higher and drier ground after their enclaves became flooded and exposed due to persistent rainfall in the area in recent days.

“To confirm this, the NAF conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions over the location on 22nd, 24th, and 26th August 2024, which revealed several terrorists with some of their salvaged belongings tucked within four makeshift shelters, some concealed under trees and thick vegetation,” Gabkwet stated.

He hailed the complete success of the strikes, which, in addition, left the terrorists’ armoury storehouse and facilities wiped out.

“Consequently, precision airstrikes were authorised on the selected target areas, engaging and destroying most of the structures. A thick black smoke from one of the destroyed structures indicated a storage area, likely designated as an armoury or logistics storage area. Several terrorists were also neutralised in the process.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the NAF’s commitment to achieving its mandate and protecting the nation from terrorist threats. The excess rainfall and swampy terrain may have inadvertently pushed the terrorists out of hiding, but it was the swift and decisive action of the NAF that took advantage of the situation to strike a significant blow against them.

“It is also important to note that striking at the heart of terrorists’ enclaves in Maiduguri significantly destabilises their centre of gravity and diminishes their capacity to cause mayhem, especially targeting civilians. These enclaves also serve as feeders to other terrorist cells operating within the region,” Gabkwet ended.