A barrage of strikes by the air components of the various operating theatres has devastated terrorists across the country, as many were sent to the early graves.
Six gun trucks and 40 motorcycles belonging to the hoodlums were reportedly destroyed by the air force.
According to spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in the early hours of October 14, 2023, carried out air interdiction missions at a newly identified terrorists’ hideout at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region.
Also, the troops neutralised about 100 Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Bukar Mairam hideout in Marte Local Council of Borno State, according to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
Gabkwet 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 authorised at the location in Bukar Meram to decimate the terrorists. Feedback received after the strikes revealed the expected outcome was achieved, as a yet-to-be-ascertained number of terrorists were neutralised, while over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks were destroyed, thereby degrading their ability to attack ground troops as well as innocent Nigerians.”
Noting that similar strikes on terrorists were carried out in the early hours of October 11, 2023 by the Air Component of OPHD around Sangeko axis of Maru Local Council Area of Zamfara State, he added: “The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has since 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.
“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 need to thrive.”
Makama said the terrorists were killed during their meeting in the forest, on October 13, 2023, to launch an attack on a nearby military post in Sambisa Forest.
He disclosed, yesterday, in Maiduguri that the insurgents were eliminated in a precise, intelligence-led air strike by the air component command.
He said this led to the successful airstrikes, which caused devastating hits at the terrorists’ positions.
A military source in Maiduguri also confirmed that the terrorists converged on the area to plan night attacks against the ground troops in the frontlines of the forest.
