Scores Of Terrorists Killed In NAF Airstrikes In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force reportedly eliminated scores of terrorists in recent airstrikes executed in the Tumbuns region adjacent to Lake Chad in Borno State.

The force confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday by the NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet.

According to Gabkwet, the Nigerian Air Force undertook Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions over the area on August 22nd, 24th, and 26th, 2024.

He further noted that these missions uncovered numerous terrorists, along with some of their salvaged possessions, concealed within four makeshift shelters, some of which were obscured by trees and dense foliage.

Gabkwet stated, “In a significant setback for the remaining terrorists hiding in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully executed an air interdiction mission at Jubillaram, located in southern Tumbuns.

“This operation was facilitated by the forced relocation of the remaining terrorists to higher and drier ground after their strongholds were flooded and exposed due to the recent persistent rainfall in the area.”

The statement added: “To confirm this, the NAF conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions over the location on 22nd, 24th, and 26th August 2024, which revealed several terrorists with some of their salvaged belongings tucked within four makeshift shelters, some concealed under trees and thick vegetation.”

He added that, apart from killing several terrorists, their armoury, logistics storage facilities, and other structures were also destroyed.

Gabkwet said, “Consequently, precision airstrikes were authorised on the selected target areas, engaging and destroying most of the structures. A thick black smoke from one of the destroyed structures indicated a storage area, likely designated as an armoury or logistics storage area.
Several terrorists were also neutralised in the process.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the NAF’s commitment to achieving its mandate and protecting the nation from terrorist threats. The excess rainfall and swampy terrain may have inadvertently pushed the terrorists out of hiding, but it was the swift and decisive action of the NAF that took advantage of the situation to strike a significant blow against them.

“It is also important to note that striking at the heart of terrorists’ enclaves in Maiduguri significantly destabilises their centre of gravity and diminishes their capacity to cause mayhem, especially targeting civilians. These enclaves also serve as feeders to other terrorist cells operating within the region.”