The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said its Air Component under Operation Hadin Kai carried out successful airstrikes against suspected terrorist positions in Borno State, destroying key infrastructure and killing several insurgents.
Newsextra24 reports that the operation, conducted on Friday, targeted a terrorist enclave in Yaganari within the Gezuwa general area following intelligence reports of renewed militant activities.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday.
Ejodame said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorists had regrouped in the area and established operational bases.
He explained that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions were conducted to verify the information before the strikes were authorised.
“Acting on credible intelligence on renewed terrorist activities and the concentration of fighters in the area, the Air Component conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist structures and logistics hubs,” he said.
According to him, the confirmed targets were subsequently engaged with precision airstrikes.
“The targets were subsequently engaged in a series of precision strikes, leading to the destruction of terrorist infrastructure and the neutralization of several terrorists,” Ejodame added.
He noted that the latest operation further weakened the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North-East.
“The successful operation further underscores the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, whose freedom of movement and ability to regroup continue to be severely degraded by sustained air offensives,” he said.
Reacting to the success of the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the personnel involved for what he described as their professionalism and commitment.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to sustain aggressive air operations in collaboration with ground troops until terrorist groups are completely dismantled.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver decisive air power in concert with surface forces to hunt down, disrupt and destroy terrorist elements wherever they may seek refuge,” Aneke said.
“We remain committed to ensuring that terrorists have no safe haven and no opportunity to recover their capabilities.”
The Air Chief also maintained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained focused on consolidating the gains already recorded in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign across the country.
He said sustained joint military operations would continue to deny terrorist groups the ability to regroup, rebuild their logistics networks or threaten communities.
