Nigerian Air Force Decimates Terrorist Strongholds in Borno Through Major Air Strikes
By Matthew Eloyi
In a significant victory against terrorism, two major air strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on November 8 and November 11, 2023, resulted in the decimation of multiple terrorists’ hideouts in the Ajigin and Banki Junction areas of Borno State.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, released a statement detailing the successful operations aimed at eradicating remnants of terrorists attempting to disrupt peace and unity among law-abiding citizens.
According to the statement, 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.
The terrorists had reportedly planned an attack on friendly troops’ locations around Damboa and Wajiroko. The air strike resulted in three gun trucks being destroyed, evidenced by thick black smoke and flames.
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The fourth truck attempted to flee but was pursued approximately 26 kilometres before disappearing under a tree. Subsequently, it was struck and observed to be on fire with no signs of movement, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by the gun trucks and their occupants.
In a subsequent operation on November 11, air interdiction missions targeted a location 7km east of Banki Junction, a known terrorists’ enclave recently reactivated for logistical support and staging attacks on troops at Bank Junction. The strike successfully destroyed the location, setting logistics sites ablaze.
The terrorists, evidently grappling with desperation and confusion, have consistently faced the combined firepower of the Nigerian military, both in the air and on the ground. The operational jointness displayed, particularly by the air and ground troops, has proven highly effective, restricting the terrorists’ freedom of movement and actions.
The Nigerian Air Force emphasizes the importance of recognizing 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 neutralizing threats to peace and security.
