By Augustine Ehikioya
The continued bombardment of terrorists hideouts in Borno State by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the air component of OPHK have resulted in the death of terrorists in the State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal, Edward Gabkwet. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “In line with its collaborative efforts with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien Air Force, on 23 April, 2024, carried out air interdiction strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar Local Government Areas (LGA) of Borno State.
“The terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria.
“The fleeing terrorists who were on 8 motorcycles were later tracked to 2 locations situated at Zarri Village, located about 28 km East of Damasak and Mala Alide in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.”
The statement added that they were observed hibernating in the Village with their motorcycles hidden under trees.
“Subsequently, airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, struck the terrorists’ locations.
“Real-time ISR footage later confirmed numerous terrorists were eliminated and several structures within the targeted areas destroyed.
“Collaborative efforts of this nature have continued to yield positive outcomes on both sides of the border. It has also led to the reduction in terrorism and other forms of cross-border crimes perpetrated by criminals criss-crossing the borders to evade justice.”it stated.
