The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that the air components of operations Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji have eliminated scores of terrorists in the stream of air strikes in their enclaves in Borno State.
The NAF made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
Gabkwet stated that NAF troops conducted air interdiction flights in the early hours of Saturday at a newly identified terrorist hideaway at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region in Borno State.
According to him, the strikes became necessary after it was established that the recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to the Bukar Meram general area was necessary for a possible resurgence of attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians.
He further stated that the air strikes were authorized at the location in Bukar Meram to decimate the terrorists.
“Feedback received after the strikes revealed the expected outcome was achieved as several terrorists were neutralized while over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks were destroyed,” he said.
According to the NAF spokesman, similar air attacks on terrorists were carried out on October 11 by the air component of Operation Haradin Daji around the Sangeko axis of Maru LGA in Zamfara State.
He stated that the terrorists, who were in a convoy of over 70 motorcycles on the road track from Kabaro to Sangeko, were later engaged and neutralized, adding that their motorcycles were destroyed and others were hurt.
Gabkwet stated that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the professionalism and dedication of the air components.
Quoting Abubakar, he said, “Your efforts and support for the ground troops are commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent, as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive.”
