From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have bombarded some terrorists strongholds in the Lake Chad region and killed scores of terrorists.
NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who made the disclosure, said: “Air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have continued to decimate terrorists and their hideouts in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad. These particular strikes, conducted at a location Northwest of Arina Woje in the Tumbuns, on March 24, became necessary after intelligence revealed the presence of terrorists hideouts at the location.
“Intelligence had also confirmed an activation of terrorists’ activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees near the location. The need to attack the location, thus, became imperative.
After the strikes, a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and their hideouts set ablaze, thereby, degrading their capabilities to attack surface forces.
“These strikes have also degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians residing near Arina Woje in Borno State.”