The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has conducted a major airstrike targeting members of Islamic jihadists, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.
The NAF claimed that the operation hit terrorists’ positions and disrupted their activities by reducing their capacity to carry out attacks and incursions into communities in the area.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, VM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), announced that the recent operation was successful.
AVM Gabkwet attributed this to the forced migration of terrorists to higher ground following persistent rainfall.
He said that the NAF aircraft conducted an air interdiction mission, dealing a significant blow to the remnants of terrorists hiding in the area.
“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions revealed terrorists with salvaged belongings in makeshift accommodations, leading to precision airstrikes that destroyed structures and neutralized several militants.
“The success of the operation demonstrates the NAF’s commitment to achieving its mandate and protecting the nation from terrorist threats.
“The excess rainfall and swampy terrain inadvertently pushed the terrorists out of hiding, allowing the NAF to strike a significant blow.”
“The airstrike has destabilized the terrorists’ center of gravity, diminishing their capacity to cause harm, especially to civilian targets,” he said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had instructed all Air Component Commanders to intensify operations against terrorists and criminal elements, and the strike at Jubillaram confirmed that the directives were yielding the required outcome.
RECENT MILITARY OPERATIONS BY NAF
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been actively involved in several recent operations to combat terrorism and enhance security. Here are a few notable ones:
Operation Lafiya Dole: This is another significant operation aimed at restoring peace in the northeastern region. It involves air interdictions, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions1.
These operations are part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria and its citizens.
Operation Hadin Kai: This ongoing operation targets Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) in the northeastern region of Nigeria. It involves coordinated air and ground assaults to dismantle terrorist strongholds1.
Operation Thunder Strike: This operation focuses on eliminating banditry and kidnapping in the northwestern states. It includes airstrikes on identified bandit camps and support for ground troops1.
Operation Gama Aiki: Conducted in collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), this operation targets terrorist activities in the Lake Chad Basin. It aims to disrupt the logistics and supply chains of terrorist groups.
