Nigeria: Alpha Jets, Helicopter Gunship Kill 60 Terrorists in Lake Chad Basin

The Nigerian Air Force fighter jets under Operation Hadin Kai has launched airstrikes against insurgency targets in the Lake Chad basin killing 60 terrorists.

The airstrikes hit fighters of terrorist groups, Boko Haram and Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP), who converged for a meeting in 20 boats on an Island in Tumbuns in the Lake Chad area and Malam Fatori.

A statement by the Air Force said the military sustained their onslaught on terrorist and insurgent targets on islands and localities around Lake Chad.

“On receiving credible Intelligence on October 20, 2021, that about 20 boats with suspected Boko Haram /ISWAP terrorists were converging for a meeting on an Island in the Tumbuns on the Lake Chad and at Malam Fatori, three NAF aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai were scrambled to carry out strikes on the targets.

“Reaching overhead the targets, the pilots observed a gathering of about 20 boats consisting of 5-7 suspected terrorists in each boat. Using a mix of bombs and rockets, the three aircraft carried out series of strikes and scored devastating hits on the targets leaving some survivors scrambling for their lives”, it said.

Buratai Blames Porous Borders for Inflow of Arms

However, the former Chief of Army Staff, Buratai yesterday lamented the nation’s porous borders which he said were a channel for arms smuggling.

Speaking at an event in Yola, Buratai identified porous international borders which encourage an influx of weapons and other dangerous materials, and the tendency by the masses to leave the anti-insurgency war for the military as some of the reasons for persisting insecurity.

Buratai also stressed that lack of development presented a breeding ground for poor nationals who become prone to acts that cause insecurity.

“The quest for security must go with development,” Buratai said, adding that terrorism thrived in the North-east particularly because it is the poorest region of the country.

“The North-east lacks development in all areas. That is one of the major factors fueling the insurgency and insecurity in the region,” he said.

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja, and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

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