Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have killed several terrorists hibernating in the Lake Chad fringes of Borno state.
The air strikes also destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts, structures, and “strategic logistics base.”
NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 2.
He said the terrorists were struck in their locations at Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu area along the fringes of Lake Chad from September 27 to 30.
The NAF’s spokesperson said the air strikes became imperative after the military had confirmed the terrorists’ activities “constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations.”
Gabkwet said: “At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in two gun trucks concealed under shrubs.
“Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base. After the strike, the Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralized and the gun trucks destroyed.
“Similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideouts were observed tucked under thick foliage.
Additionally, three gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location. The need to strike the location thus became imperative. The aftermath of the air strike revealed several terrorists were neutralized and the trucks destroyed.”
The NAF’s spokesperson said that the Nigerian military is determined to limit the activities of the terrorists in the North East and other parts of Nigeria.
Gabkwet said: “Operational gains by the Armed Forces of Nigeria are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians.”
