NAF Airstrikes Neutralise ISWAP, Boko Haram Terrorists In Lake Chad

Several terrorists belonging to Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) groups have been neutralised by airstrikes in the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said.

The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the air strikes obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts and destroyed their structures and strategic logistics base in the region.

The NAF PRO said Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between September 27 and September 30 after confirmation of the terrorists’ activities.

The statement said their activities threatened military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations, noting that terrorists were sighted loading jerrycans in two gun trucks concealed under shrubs at the Tumbun Fulani.

The NAF aircraft were then scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a significant logistics base.

After the strike, Gabkwet affirmed that the Battle Damage Assessment showed several terrorists were neutralised and the gun trucks destroyed.

Similarly, the NAF spokesman explained that similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideouts were observed tucked under thick foliage.

Three gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location, therefore, the site was struck.

“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 added.