The Nigerian Air Force, a key component of the joint military task force, “Operation Hadin Kai,” carried out two major air strikes on November 8 and November 11, effectively eliminating several terrorists in the Ajigin and Banki Junction areas of Borno.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force, revealed on Sunday in Abuja that the air strikes were part of the ongoing efforts to clear the remnants of terrorists in the region.
The terrorists had concealed four gun-trucks under thick shrubs and were planning to launch attacks on troops’ locations around Damboa and Wajiroko.
During the operation, three of the gun-trucks were targeted, resulting in the emergence of thick black smoke and fire. The fourth gun-truck attempted to flee the scene but was pursued for about 26km, eventually being struck and observed to be on fire with no movement observed.
“The destruction of the four gun-trucks, along with the occupants, effectively degraded the capability of the terrorists to launch attacks on friendly forces and local communities in the area,” Gabkwet emphasized.
Furthermore, air interdiction missions were carried out at a location seven kilometres east of Banki Junction in Borno on November 11. This particular location had previously served as a logistics storage area and staging ground for terrorists’ attacks on troops’ positions.
After the successful strike, the location was found in ruins, with the logistics sites engulfed in flames. The sustained firepower from both air and ground forces has left the terrorists in a state of desperation, confusion, and incapacity to freely execute their nefarious activities.
Mr. Gabkwet stressed the effectiveness of operational cooperation between the air and ground troops as a significant factor in impeding the terrorists’ movements and activities.
These relentless efforts clearly reflect the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Air Force and the joint military task force in combating insurgency and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
