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Over 100 Terrorists, Kingpins, Killed in Borno Air Raid-NAF

…Strike Foils ISWAP/Boko Haram Plans to unleash terror in Yuletide and ahead of 2023 elections

Over 100 terrorists, including some of their leaders, were sent to hell last Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Borno State when the Nigeria Airforce, NAF, rained fire on them in an air raid..

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, revealed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

In the statement, the NAF spokesman disclosed that the interdiction mission was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Mantari village, in Gezuwa general area, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Gabkwet further revealed that terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari and Bakura Jega were among those neutralized during the airstrike; adding that the attack was sequel to a credible intelligence report that a Boko Haram terrorist commander, known as Ikirima, had moved to Mantari village with his gun trucks, and had been joined by terrorists on motorcycles from other locations.

“Subsequently,” the NAF spokesman continued, “the authorisation for an air strike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area.

“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.”

The successful operation was particularly gratifying as, according to Gabkwet , ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.

“The timely intelligence received on their plans especially, their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama thus helped in the successful air strikes which has reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens,” he said.

“There is no doubt that the progress and gains being made especially, by the air and ground troops has greatly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the North-East zone in recent times.

“Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on the need to remain focused on the end state.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) have both commended the efforts of their respective Services as well as the other security agencies under OPHK for the impressive successes being recorded in the theatre.

According to  duo, there has been a lot of improvement in the security situation in the region due to the ongoing operations.

The two helmsmen, however, urged the troops to continue to give in their best in the effort to rid the region of all terrorists.

They also paid glowing tributes to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the war against terrorism and insurgency even as they commended the commitment and uncommon sacrifices of the troops as peace gradually returns to Borno.

While wishing them a merry Christmas, the Service Chiefs extended the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians to the troops for their sacrifices and efforts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that yuletide lunch between the service Chiefs and frontline troops has become a periodic routine aimed at enhancing camaraderie among troops and boosting their morale.

 

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