By Augustine Ehikioya
To completely rid the North East of terrorism, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bombarded some terrorists hideouts in Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu in Borno State.
During the air strikes, several terrorists were said to be caught unaware and killed in the areas.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, has revealed this. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “Terrorists hibernating in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Tchad in Borno State were at the receiving end of NAF’s firepower as air strikes obliterated their hideouts, destroying their structures and strategic logistics base.
“Specifically, Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between 27-30 September 2023, when activities of terrorists in the locations were confirmed to have constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations.
“At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in 2 guntrucks concealed under shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base.
“After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the guntrucks destroyed.”
It went on “Similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideout were observed tucked under thick foliage. Additionally, 3 guntrucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location.
“The need to strike the location thus became imperative. The aftermath of the air strike revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed,” it stated.
The statement said that the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course.
Adding “Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians.”
