LIVE UPDATES
-GEzhd0S4UW.jpg "Photo of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa")
The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday revealed that air strikes from its fighter jets have either killed or severely injured five terrorist commanders and 35 fighters in Borno State.
The terrorists were bombed during operations in the Arina area, located at the Southern Tumbuns of the state on August 18, the Force affirmed.
This is contained in a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet.
The affected terrorist commanders, are Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
Gabkwet said, “In a decisive effort to further weaken the activities of the remnant of terrorists operating in the North East, while also protecting innocent civilians and own troops, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully executed an air interdiction mission on August 16, 2024, in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.
“Additionally, credible intelligence further revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strikes.
“The terrorist commanders believed to have been present at the location during the operation include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki, along with over 35 other foot soldiers.”
Gabkwet noted that before the operation, intelligence revealed that terrorists had migrated to the area.
He said, “Before the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighbouring locations.
“Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12th and 15th August 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
“Battle damage assessment after the strikes revealed that several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.”
Gabkwet stated that the operation had degraded the operational capability of terrorists in the North East.
“This operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail,” the statement read.
