The Nigerian Air Force announced on Monday that it has successfully eliminated numerous Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists through airstrikes conducted along the outskirts of Lake Chad in Borno State.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, issued a statement in Abuja confirming this development. He revealed that the airstrikes effectively targeted and destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts, structures, and their strategically significant logistics bases in the region.
Gabkwet further disclosed that between September 27 and September 30, the NAF conducted operations in Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu after verifying the presence of terrorists, which posed a threat to both military installations and law-abiding citizens residing in these areas.
At Tumbun Fulani, intelligence indicated terrorists loading jerrycans onto two concealed gun trucks hidden among shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were deployed to intercept this location, suspected to be a major logistics hub.
Following the airstrike, a Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, and the gun trucks were destroyed.
He said that similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideouts were observed tucked under thick foliage.
NAF spokesman said that three gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location, adding that the need to strike the location thus became imperative.
He said the aftermath of the air strike revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and the trucks destroyed.
“The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course.
“Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians,” he said.
