Over 100 Boko Haram terrorists worn out in Borno airstrikes: NAF

The Nigerian Air Power (NAF) spokesman Edward Gabkwet on Sunday introduced {that a} Boko Haram kingpin and tons of of jihadist fighters had been neutralised in air raids round northern Borno.

The air operations had been carried out on December 20, Mr Gabkwet said in a launch on Sunday in Abuja.

He mentioned that the interdiction mission was carried out by the Air Part of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Mantari village in Gezuwa common space, Bama Native Authorities Space of Borno.

The navy picture maker mentioned that amongst these neutralised had been terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega.

Mr Gabkwet mentioned that the assault adopted an intelligence report {that a} Boko Haram terrorist commander, often known as Ikirima had moved to Mantari village along with his gun vans, and was joined by terrorists on bikes from different places.

“Subsequently, the authorisation for an airstrike was given resulting in the elimination of a number of of the terrorists and buildings within the space.

“After the primary wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists discovered their method again to the identical location to evacuate the our bodies of these neutralised within the air strike.

“This offered a possibility for a follow-up strike on the identical location which has been confirmed very profitable as over 100 terrorists had been neutralised with dozens mentioned to be in essential situation.“

Mr Gabkwet mentioned that ISWAP and Boko Haram parts had perfected plans to renew energetic hostilities within the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming common elections.

“The well timed intelligence obtained on their plans particularly, their try and assault gentle targets in Bama thus helped within the profitable airstrikes which has lowered their will to regroup and assault harmless residents.

“There isn’t any doubt that the progress and beneficial properties being made particularly, by the air and floor troops, has significantly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns inside the North-East zone in latest instances.

“Each air and floor troops have nonetheless been cautioned on the necessity to stay targeted on the tip state,” he mentioned.

In the meantime, the Chief of Military Employees (COAS) and the Chief of Air Employees (CAS) have each recommended their efforts and different safety businesses underneath OPHK for the great achievements being recorded within the theatre.

In line with them, there was numerous enchancment within the safety state of affairs within the area because of the ongoing operations.

The duo, nonetheless, urged the troops to proceed to offer of their greatest in direction of making certain that the area was utterly rid of all terrorists.

Additionally they paid particular tribute to those that have paid the supreme sacrifice within the struggle in opposition to terrorism and insurgency whereas commending the dedication and unusual sacrifices of the troops as peace progressively returns to Borno.

Whereas wishing them a merry Christmas, the service chiefs prolonged the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians to the troops for his or her sacrifices and efforts.

(NAN)