By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has sustained its counter-terrorism offensive in the North-East with fresh precision airstrikes that destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised several fighters at Yaganari in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was carried out on July 10 by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI following credible intelligence on renewed terrorist activities in the area.
Ejodame said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of terrorist structures and logistics hubs before the targets were engaged in a series of precision strikes.
He said the operation destroyed key terrorist infrastructure and neutralised several insurgents, further limiting the ability of the terrorists to regroup or launch fresh attacks.
“The successful operation underscores the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, whose freedom of movement and ability to regroup continue to be severely degraded by sustained air offensives,” the statement said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force will sustain relentless offensive operations in collaboration with ground forces until terrorist groups are dismantled.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver decisive air power in concert with surface forces to hunt down, disrupt and destroy terrorist elements wherever they may seek refuge. We remain committed to ensuring that terrorists have no safe haven and no opportunity to recover their capabilities,” Aneke said.
He added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to consolidating the gains already recorded in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and restoring lasting peace and security across the country.