The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has made a significant stride in the fight against insurgency as the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully eliminated a top Boko Haram terrorist leader, Abu Asad, along with several other militants in a targeted air strike. The operation, which took place in the terrorists’ stronghold in Tagoshe on the Mandara Mountains in Borno, signifies a pivotal victory in the ongoing battle against insurgency in the region.
According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the air strikes conducted on Friday proved to be one of the most effective and impactful operations carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai in recent times. This monumental achievement underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the terrorist network and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
Gabkwet revealed that the intelligence gathered by the NAF indicated the presence of a group of terrorists in a remote location, where three zinc huts were nestled amidst a cluster of trees. This intelligence further suggested that the terrorists were preparing for a strategic meeting or planning a large-scale assault on the Nigerian troops stationed in the region.
The air surveillance documented over 100 heavily armed terrorists converging in the area, engaging in animated discussions and exhibiting erratic movements around the structures, which also housed four army carriers. The subsequent air strike resulted in the destruction of two out of the three structures, as well as the complete annihilation of the troop carriers, effectively debilitating the terrorists’ operational infrastructure.
Furthermore, the aftermath of the decisive air strike confirmed the demise of Abu Asad, a prominent figure within the Ali Ngulde faction of Boko Haram, along with other notorious militants including Ibrahim Nakeeb, Mujaheed Dimtu, and Mustafa Munzir, in addition to several other combatants. This resounding success dealt a severe blow to the nefarious activities of the insurgents, significantly weakening their capacity to perpetrate acts of terror and violence in the region.
The elimination of Abu Asad and his cohorts represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, underscoring the NAF’s relentless pursuit of peace and security in the region. As the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to demonstrate their unwavering resolve in the battle against terrorism, this significant achievement stands as a testament to their unyielding commitment to safeguarding the nation and protecting the lives of its citizens.
