NAF bombs terrorists ‘while loading jerrycans into gun trucks’ in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says many insurgents were killed during a recent raid on their hideouts in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno state.

Tumbuns (or Tunbuns) is the colonial transboundary line drawn through the patches of islands between Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.

In a statement on Monday, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the air troops, in separate operations between September 27- 30, also destroyed structures suspected to be logistics bases of the insurgents. 

Gabkwet said in Tumbun Fulani, several terrorists were killed at a structure considered to be a major “logistics base” while loading jerrycans in two gun trucks “concealed under shrubs”.

“After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the gun trucks destroyed,” the statement read. 

The NAF spokesperson said several gun trucks were destroyed while insurgents were killed during a similar strike at Tumbun Shitu.

Gabkwet said at the inception, troops had observed terrorists’ hideouts tucked under foliage. 

“Additionally, 3 gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location. The need to strike the location thus became imperative,” he said.

“The aftermath of the air strike revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed.

“The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course.

“Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians.”