The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed several terrorists during a series of intelligence-led airstrikes conducted across Rafi and Mariga LGAs of Niger state.
The operations, carried out between May 20 and 23 under Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, targeted terrorists’ movements and hideouts following credible intelligence reports.
In a statement on Monday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force said the missions were executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment.
According to him, terrorists travelling on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were identified and engaged during the operation.
“This resulted in their neutralisation and the destruction of their mobility and withdrawal capability,” the statement said.
Ejodame added that the Air Component also provided close air support to troops battling terrorists at Tungan Makeri, successfully overpowering the assailants and restoring operational control to security forces.
He further disclosed that armed reconnaissance missions were conducted over Dogon Dawa and surrounding communities in Mariga LGA on May 23 as part of sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups.
According to the Air Force spokesman, post-strike assessments confirmed that the operations significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capacity and restricted their freedom of movement within the affected areas.
Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the chief of the air staff commended personnel involved in the operations and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to sustaining aggressive intelligence-driven missions aimed at combating insecurity across the country.