Continuous and relentless airstrikes by the Air Components of various operational theaters have dealt a devastating blow to terrorists and their strongholds throughout the country.
Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement Sunday said, in Borno State, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed air interdiction missions in the early hours of October 14, 2023, targeting a newly discovered terrorist hideout near the Lake Chad region in Bukar Meram.
“These strikes were deemed necessary due to recent intelligence indicating that the relocation of terrorists from Suwa to Bukar Meram was likely intended to facilitate renewed attacks on both military personnel and innocent civilians on the ground.
“As a result, airstrikes were authorized to eliminate the terrorists in the Bukar Meram area.”
Post-strike reports confirmed that the desired outcome was achieved, as numerous terrorists were neutralized and their operational capabilities significantly degraded. Additionally, over 40 motorcycles and 6 gun trucks were destroyed, thus further hampering their ability to target ground troops and innocent Nigerians.
It is worth noting that similar airstrikes were conducted by the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji in the early hours of October 11, 2023, in the Sangeko area of the Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara State. The terrorists, who were traveling in a convoy of approximately 70 motorcycles along the road leading from Kabaro to Sangeko, were swiftly engaged. As a result, a significant number of terrorists were neutralized, their motorcycles were destroyed, and others sustained injuries.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has since commended the professionalism and dedication of the Air Components in ensuring that terrorists’ ability to move at will, while causing mayhem on innocent, law-abiding citizens is curtailed to the barest minimum.
According to him, “Your efforts and support to the ground troops is commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive.”
