The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it killed over 100
terrorists including some of their leaders in an airstrike on December 20, in
Borno. This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore
Edward Gabkwet.
He said that the interdiction mission was conducted by the Air
Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Mantari village in Gezuwa general
area, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
The director said that among those neutralised were terrorist
kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega. Gabkwet said that the attack
followed intelligence report that a Boko Haram terrorist commander, known as
Ikirima had moved to Mantari village with his gun trucks, and was joined by
terrorists on motorcycles from other locations.
“Subsequently, the authorisation for an airstrike 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 neutralised
in the air strike.
“This provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same
location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were
neutralised with dozens said to be in critical condition.“
Gabkwet said that ISWAP
and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the
wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.
“The timely intelligence received on their
plans especially, their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama thus helped in
the successful air strikes which has reduced their will to regroup and attack
innocent citizens.
“There is no doubt that
the progress and gains being made especially, by the air and ground troops has
greatly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the North-East
zone in recent times. Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on
the need to remain focused on the end state,“ he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air
Staff (CAS) have both commended their efforts and other security agencies under
OPHK for the tremendous achievements being recorded in the theatre.
According to them, there
has been a lot of improvement in the security situation in the region due to
the ongoing operations. The duo, however, urged the troops to continue to give
in their best towards ensuring that the region was completely rid of all
terrorists.
They also paid special tribute to those who have paid the
supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and insurgency while
commending the commitment and uncommon sacrifices of the troops as peace
gradually returns to Borno.
While wishing them a
merry Christmas, the service Chiefs extended the appreciation of President
Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians to the troops for their sacrifices and
efforts.
Yuletide lunch between the service Chiefs and frontline troops has become a
periodic routine aimed at enhancing camaraderie among troops and boosting their
morale.
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