Military airstrikes kill terrorists, destroy four gun trucks
In a significant victory against Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists, two major air strikes carried out by the Air Component, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on November 8 and 11, 2023 killed many terrorists in the Ajigin-Banki axis of Borno State.
Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, stated, yesterday, in Abuja that the multiple airstrikes hit remnants of terrorists attempting to disrupt peace and unity among law-abiding citizens.
According to him, on November 8, air interdiction missions were conducted at a location 1.9km south of Ajigin, where terrorists had concealed four gun trucks under thick shrubbery. He added that the terrorists had reportedly planned an attack on friendly troops’ locations near Damboa and Wajiroko communities in the state.
On how the terrorists were neutralised, he said: “The air strike destroyed three gun trucks, evidenced by thick black smoke and flames.” Gabkwet noted that the fourth truck, however, attempted to flee, but was pursued for about 26 kilometres before disappearing into the canopy of trees.
“Subsequently, it was struck and observed to be on fire with no sign of movement, effectively neutralising the threat posed by the gun trucks and their occupants,” he added.
In another November 11, 2023, operation, an aerial interdiction mission also targeted a location seven kilometres east of Banki Junction. The spokesman explained that the hideout was a terrorists’ enclave recently reactivated for their logistic support to launch attacks on troops’ location at the Bank junction along Bama/Gwoza road.
He further disclosed that the airstrike successfully destroyed the location, setting the logistics site ablaze.
“The terrorists, evidently grappling with desperation and confusion, have consistently faced the combined firepower of the Nigerian military,” he said, “including aerial and ground military operations in the North East.”
NAF emphasises the importance of recognising and commending the collaborative efforts of the air and ground forces, attributing the terrorists’ inability to operate freely to this operational synergy.
The recent successes underscore the commitment of the Nigerian military to safeguarding the nation and neutralising threats to peace and security.
Source » guardian.ng
