The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in sustaining its counterterrorism operational tempo in the North-East, has executed decisive airstrikes in multiple waves on terrorist strongholds at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State, dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities.
This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali.
The statement explained that during the operation executed on Wednesday, 26 March this year, scores of fighters were neutralised while others were thrown into disarray.
According to the statement, “Guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, NAF identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko.
“Surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.
“In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction (AI) missions.
“The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies. The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist assets.”
It further explained: “Later that day, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains, after intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid.
“Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze. Fleeing insurgents were subsequently engaged and neutralised, further crippling their operational capacity.
“Battle Damage Assessment and corroboratory intelligence confirmed the neutralisation of scores of terrorist fighters.
“The strikes also destroyed four terrorist gun trucks, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and several makeshift shelters, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions, thereby degrading their operational capabilities.”
The statement concluded that these successful air interdiction missions underscored the NAF’s unwavering commitment to neutralising insurgents, disrupting their logistics, and denying them safe havens. It added: “With sustained pressure on terrorist elements, the NAF remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security in the country.”
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