The Nigerian Air force (NAF) on Sunday said a series of air strikes by the air components of the various operating theatres has led to devastating outcomes on terrorists and their enclaves across the country.
The NAF said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in the early hours of 14 October 2023, carried out air interdiction missions at a newly identified terrorists’ hideout at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region in Borno state.
This was contained in statement by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
He said the strikes became necessary after it was established that recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to Bukar Meram general area was with the likely intent for possible resurgence of attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians.
“Consequently, 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 6 gun trucks were destroyed, thereby degrading their ability to attack ground troops as well as innocent Nigerians,” he said.
He said similar strikes on terrorists were carried out in the early hours of 11 October 2023 by the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji around Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
According to him, “The terrorists, who were in a convoy of about 70 motorcycles on the road track leading from Kabaro towards Sangeko, were subsequently engaged with several neutralized, their motorcycles destroyed, and others injured,” he said.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the professionalism and dedication of the air components in ensuring that terrorists’ ability to move at will, while causing mayhem on innocent, law-abiding citizens is curtailed to the barest minimum.
According to him, “Your efforts and support to the ground troops is commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive.”
