NAF strikes kill five terrorist commanders, 35 fighters in Borno

In the renewed war against insecurity activities in the country, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Wednesday said that the Airstrikes by its fighter jets have neutralized key terrorist commanders and 35 Foot Soldiers and destroyed their logistics base in the Arina area, located at the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet

According to the statement, the terrorist commanders killed in the strikes, are Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.

ALSO READ: Niger Delta ex-agitators warn against attempts to impeach Akpabio

It reads, “In a decisive effort to further weaken the activities of remnant of terrorists operating in the Northeast, while also protecting innocent civilians and own troops, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully executed an air interdiction mission on 16 August 2024 in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State

“Prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations. Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12 and 15 August 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.

“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.

It explained that battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.

The statement further added that “credible intelligence further revealed that 5 key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike. The key terrorist commanders believed to have been present at the location during the operation include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki, along with over 35 other foot soldiers.

While noting that the operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region it stated that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE