Scores killed in NAF airstrikes on terrorists’ enclave in Lake Chad region

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has killed scores of ISWAP fighters and degraded the operational capability of the insurgents its air offensive at a major terrorist enclave in Kangarwa, located in the Northern Tumbuns area of Borno.

The targeted enclave had been under close monitoring through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, which revealed significant activity and movement within the settlement, the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to Ejodame, the airstrike, conducted at about 1205 hours on April 1 by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Northeast, followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance confirming the presence of terrorists in the area.

He said the NAF air assets executed precision strike missions upon confirmation of the targets, delivering multiple attack runs on structures and concealed targets used by the insurgents.

He said the strikes, described as highly effective, led to the destruction of key infrastructure, including logistics hubs and operational shelters within the enclave.

“Scores of fighters were neutralised during the bombardment, significantly degrading the operational capability of the enclave and disrupting insurgent movement in the area.

“The successful air interdiction is expected to create favourable conditions for ground troops to advance, dominate the area and carry out follow-on clearance operations,” he said.

Ejodame said the operation underscored the growing synergy between air and ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.

It added that the enclave, believed to be a stronghold of ISWAP elements, suffered a major setback, with its command and support structures effectively dismantled.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven precision strikes against terrorist hideouts across the theatre.

Aneke said the air force would continue to work in close coordination with surface forces to deny terrorists freedom of action and eliminate all remaining enclaves.

He emphasised that the sustained air campaign remained critical to restoring lasting peace and security in the region. (NAN)