The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reports that it has neutralised more than 100 militants, including some of their leaders, in Borno on December 20 via an airstrike.Information Guide Nigeria
This is stated in a statement published on Sunday in Abuja by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
According to him, the interdiction mission was undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) near Mantari village in the general region of Gezuwa, Bama Local Government of Borno.
The director stated that terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega were among those neutralised.
According to Gabkwet, the attack followed intelligence reports that a Boko Haram terrorist commander known as Ikirima had come to the village of Mantari with his gun trucks and was joined by terrorists on motorbikes from other locations.
“Subsequently, the authorisation for an air strike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area.JAMB Result
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“After the first wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of those neutralised in the air strike.
“This provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were neutralised with dozens said to be in critical condition.“
Gabkwet said that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.Jamb Portal
“The timely intelligence received on their plans significantly, their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama thus helped in the successful air strikes which have reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens.
“There is no doubt that the progress and gains being made specially, by the air and ground troops has remarkably contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the North-East zone in recent times.NYSC Portal
“Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on the need to remain focused on the end state, “he said.
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