The Nigerian Air Force has announced the killing of several Boko Haram fighters and the destruction of key terrorist facilities during fresh airstrikes conducted in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.
The operation, according to the NAF, targeted insurgents’ strongholds and logistics enclaves within the forest region long considered a major hideout for terrorist groups in the North-East.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Ejodame said the air interdiction missions were carried out on Tuesday, May 26, after credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance reports identified terrorist activities and locations within the area.
According to him, NAF air assets launched precision strikes on identified hideouts and support structures located at Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State.
“The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents,” Ejodame stated.
He explained that the sustained air offensives against terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa axis had continued to weaken the operational strength of insurgents while creating panic and confusion within their ranks.
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The NAF spokesperson added that intelligence assessments indicated growing fear, disorientation and apprehension among the insurgents as continuous aerial bombardments restricted their movement and denied them access to safe havens.
According to him, the ongoing operations form part of broader military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace across the North-East region.
Ejodame reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force, working alongside troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, to sustain military pressure on terrorist elements operating in the region.
“The NAF, in concert with troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks while reinforcing its commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East,” he said.
The Sambisa Forest has remained one of the major operational bases for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters despite years of military offensives aimed at dislodging insurgents from the area.