The Nigerian Air Force successfully executed air strikes, eliminating a prominent Boko Haram leader, Abu Asad, along with several other terrorists at their hideout in Tagoshe on Mandara Mountains in Borno. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
Gabkwet highlighted that the air strikes, conducted on Friday, stood out as one of the most triumphant operations carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai in recent times.
According to Gabkwet, the Nigerian Air Force spotted a concentration of terrorists in a remote area, featuring three zinced structures nestled amidst numerous trees. It was evident from the surveillance footage that the terrorists had gathered at the location, either for a meticulously planned meeting or to prepare for a major assault on the troops.
During the mission, over 100 heavily armed terrorists were observed engaging in banter and moving erratically around the structures, which also housed four troop carriers. Subsequently, the air strike led to the destruction of two out of the three structures and the complete annihilation of the troop carriers.
Furthermore, it was confirmed that Abu Asad, a crucial figure in the Ali Ngulde group affiliated with Boko Haram, along with other terrorists including Ibrahim Nakeeb, Mujaheed Dimtu, Mustafa Munzir, and several fighters, were among those neutralized in the air strikes.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, lauded the Air Component Commander and his team for their remarkable achievement. He urged them to sustain their collaboration with the Land Component while upholding the impetus to keep the terrorists on edge. Abubakar emphasized the need to validate the trust and confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government and the Nigerian populace.
He remarked, “It is imperative that we intensify efforts to make life unbearable for these terrorists and criminals until they either surrender or are completely eradicated.”
Nigerian readers, both in the military and civilian spheres, are no doubt relieved and encouraged by the continued success of the Nigerian Air Force in the fight against insurgency. Such resolute actions collectively contribute to the ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security within the region.
