The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday said the air component of operation Hadin Kai, has killed top terrorists commander and no fewer than 35 foot soldiers, during a coordinated airstrikes, at Arina, Southern Tumbuns, in Borno State. Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said that key terrorists commanders believed to have been present at the location alongside over 35 foot shoulders, during the operation include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
He added that credible intelligence revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the airstrikes. Gabkwet noted that battle damage assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the air strikes.
He explained: “In a decisive effort to further weaken the activities of remnant of terrorists operating in the Northeast, while also protecting innocent civilians and own troops, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully executed an air interdiction mission on 16 August 2024 in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State”.
He also revealed that prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations, stressing that confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12 and 15 August 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
The NAF Spokesperson said the coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
Gabkwet also noted that the coordinated air operations significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region, assuring that the Nigerian Air Force remained 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.
Linus Aleke
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