The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Sunday said airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) killed “several” Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
The military also said its troops in Northcentral region killed three bandits, arrested four during a dawn raid in Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said in separate statements that “the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has recorded more successes in its air campaign against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East of the Country.
“The latest of these was achieved through air strikes executed on 10 December 2020 at Njimia on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The attack, which resulted in the neutralization of several BHTs as well as damage to their structures, was conducted after series of aerial surveillance missions showed uptick of activities in the settlement.
“Consequently, the ATF dispatched an appropriate force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to engage the location. The NAF attack aircraft delivered accurate hits in the target area resulting in the neutralization of several BHTs.”
General Enenche added that “troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in the early hours of 12 December 2020, raided some identified armed bandits hideouts at Tomatar Ugba and Kundi villages in Mbacher council ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State following actionable technical and human intelligence reports.
“The gallant troops stormed the camps, engaged and overwhelmed the criminals with aggressive firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray. The undaunted troops however pursued the fleeing criminals and effectively neutralized 3 of them while several others fled with fatal gunshot injuries. Troops however successfully apprehended 4 of the fleeing bandits.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 2 locally made rifles, 1 locally made pistol, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 motorcycles, 3 generators, 2 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, a large quantity of substances suspected to Indian Hemp, amongst other items.”
“The gallant troops are presently dominating the area with aggressive patrols and are equally on the trail of the fleeing bandits in order to locate and neutralize them. Members of the general public are hereby requested to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.”
