‘Many terrorists killed’ as NAF conducts air strikes in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says many terrorists have been killed during air strikes conducted in Damasak and Mobbar LGAs of Borno.

In a statement on Wednesday, Edward Gabkwet, army spokesperson, said the air strikes were conducted on April 23 in collaboration with the air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

Gabkwet said the terrorists attempted to ambush troops of sector 4 of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria.

He said the terrorists attacked the troops on eight motorcycles, adding that they were later tracked down at two locations in Zarri village.

“In line with its collaborative efforts with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the air component of operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien air force, on 23 April 2024, carried out air interdiction strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar local government areas of Borno state,” the statement reads.

“The terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria.

“The fleeing terrorists who were on eight motorcycles were later tracked to two locations situated at Zarri village, located about 28 km east of Damasak and Mala Alide in Mobbar LGA of Borno state.

“They were observed hibernating in the village with their motorcycles hidden under trees.

“Subsequently, airstrikes from the air component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, struck the terrorists’ locations.

“Real-time ISR footage later confirmed numerous terrorists were eliminated and several structures within the targeted areas destroyed.”

The NAF spokesperson added that the air strikes have reduced the number of terrorist activities on both country’s borders.