Air force ‘bombs large gathering of insurgents’ in Borno

The Nigerian air force (NAF) says it has neutralised a “large gathering” of Boko Haram insurgents in Bogumeri and Gwoza areas of Borno state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF spokesman, said the insurgents were killed during NAF aerial attacks in the areas.

He said while the first attack was on November 24 in Bogumeri, the second one took place on November 28, on Gwoza.

Adesanya also said several structures belonging to the insurgents were also set ablaze during the operations.

The statement read: “In furtherance of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 24 November 2017, successfully neutralized a large gathering of Boko Haram terrorists (BHT) in Bogumeri, Borno state.

“A NAF platform, while on routine Intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), had previously discovered the large gathering of the BHTs in the area, which was known to have significant BHT presence.

“Consequently, NAF fighter aircraft were detailed to carry out air interdiction on the target, in quick succession. The Alpha Jet fighter aircraft attacked the target with bombs, killing the insurgents and setting some structures ablaze.

“Meanwhile, in a separate attack on 28 November 2017, the NAF successfully neutralized another large gathering of BHTs in Gobara, 15km north west of Gwosa.

“A NAF ISR platform had previously discovered the armed BHTs, who were gathered by a building that was apparently being used as a hideout.

“The subsequent air strike resulted in the immediate destruction of the target building, killing all the BHTs inside it.”