The Air Component of Operation “Hadin Kai” has successfully eliminated five key terrorist commanders and over 35 foot soldiers in targeted airstrikes in Arina, Southern Tumbuns of Borno.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Mr. Gabkwet, the airstrikes on August 16 took out terrorist commanders, including Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (a.k.a. Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
He explained that the air interdiction was part of a decisive effort to further weaken the remaining terrorist factions operating in the Northeast while safeguarding innocent civilians and military personnel. Intelligence had indicated a secretive movement of terrorists into the area from nearby locations before the mission.
“Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted on August 12 and 15 identified numerous terrorists and active structures hidden under trees. As a result, coordinated airstrikes were launched on the location, successfully engaging the targets, neutralizing many terrorists, and destroying their structures.
“Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary were destroyed.
“Additionally, credible intelligence confirmed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or critically injured in the strike. This operation has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the remaining terrorists in the region.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains 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,” he said.
Source: NAN
