‘30 terrorists killed’ as NAF conducts air strikes in Borno, Katsina

Troops of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) have reportedly killed 30 terrorists during an air strike conducted on their enclaves in Borno and Katsina states.

In a statement on Wednesday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the raid was conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji on May 27.

Gabkwet said most of the terrorists killed during the strike were loyal to a notorious terrorist kingpin called Babura.

He said credible intelligence showed that 30 terrorists were killed, while Babura reportedly escaped.

He said the air strike was carried out in Bakai, Bakarya, and Yartsintsiya hideouts in Kankara LGA of Katsina.

The NAF spokesperson said similar air strikes were conducted on the same day at Tumbun Fulani, near Lake Chad.

He said the strike was authorised after the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions noticed that the terrorists were relocating to a new hideout.

“Recall that this same location was struck by NAF aircraft on Sept. 26 and Sept. 28, 2023 with several terrorists eliminated and their logistics and mobilities destroyed,” he said.

“That these remnant of terrorists have returned to their once-destroyed enclave, is indicative of the successes being recorded by both air and ground troops in flushing them out of their various hideouts.”