Airstrikes conducted by the Air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on 20 December 2022 at Mantari in Gezuwa area of Bama LGA of Borno state has killed three terrorists’ kingpins, Khaids Abbah Tukur, Maimusari, Bakura Jega and several others.
This was just as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao arrived Maiduguri earlier 25 December 2022 to celebrate the yuletide with frontline troops.
A statement by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed that the airstrikes were authorised after it was discovered that a Boko Haram terrorist commander simply known as Ikirima, had stationed his fighters and gun trucks at Mantari village, alongside other terrorists from other locations who had converged at the same location arrived with motorcycles and bicycles.
He said subsequently, the authorization for an air strike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area.
“After the first wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of those neutralized in the air strike.
“This thus provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were neutralized with dozens said to be in critical condition, ” he said.
He disclosed that there were also confirmed reports that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the yuletide and forthcoming general elections.
According to him, the timely intelligence received on their plans especially their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama LGA thus helped in the successful air strikes which has reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens.
Meanwhile, the COAS and CAS have both commended the efforts of the air and ground troops as well as other security agencies under OPHK for the tremendous achievements being recorded in the theatre.
