NAF airstrike destroys terrorists’ hideout in Borno

The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have destroyed a terrorists’ hideout in the Lake Chad region near Southern Tumbuns of Borno.

In a statement on Friday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the hideout was attacked following information that the terrorists and their wounded members were at the location.

“In a bid to achieve the mandate of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), air strikes were conducted near Arina Woje earlier today, September 1, 2023 as it was confirmed that terrorists and their injured cohorts have continued to use the location, which is situated in the Southern Tumbuns near Lake Chad, as a hideout,” the statement reads.

“Credible intelligence had further revealed that the location remained active with some other terrorists using the area to store their weapons and other logistics.

“Consequently, approval was given for the air strikes with resounding success recorded based on the huge cloud of smoke and fire observed as well as feedback from locals at the fringes of the location.

“It is important to note that the area was last attacked on 13 June 2023, with resounding success but it was noted that some terrorists, feeling the heat from other areas, were returning to the location to hide.”

In another development, illegal refining sites were also destroyed by the troops in the Niger Delta area.

The operation was also conducted in Bille, a community in Degema LGA of Rivers known for illegal oil refining activities.

“Several air strikes were also carried out in the Niger Delta area of the country especially in Bille, a rural community in Degema local government area of Rivers State, becoming well-known for numerous illegal oil refining activities,” he said.

“One of such strikes, carried out yesterday, 31 August 2023, became necessary after an active illegal refining site with reservoirs and storage tanks suspected to be containing illegally refined products was observed.”

The NAF spokesperson said the troops will continue to collaborate with other security and government agencies to eliminate criminal activities in the country.