The Armed Forces of Nigeria has launched new offensive in Northeast region against Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, killing at least 37 of them at Bula Yobe.
The major joint military operation by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and ground troops of the Nigerian Army came as NAF fighter jets launched airstrikes against the terrorists, destroying their camps at Abadam axis and Sambisa Forest.
In the airstrikes by the NAF, ground assessment sources said several ISWAP high-value fighters were killed while many were “seriously injured.”
Sources said that the “accurate intelligence-led airstrikes” coordinated by the Air Task Force Command of Operation Hadin Kai attacked the hideouts of ISWAP elements in Jabullam and Yauma Wango in Abadam Local Government Area and Parisu in Sambisa Forest on Wednesday.
Intelligence sources, also said that the resultant pounding by the NAF jets were launched after series of aerial surveillance missions indicated massive convergence of the terrorists in the areas.
NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, while confirming the successful operation, said their Air Task Force was swift in providing close-air support to the ground.
According to Air Commodore Gabkwet, “The operation, which was efficiently coordinated by our Air Task Force and ground troops, resulted in the neutralization of the terrorists’ elements. We have also sustained aerial bombardments to rout the fleeing ISWAP-Boko Haram criminals.”
Sources said that the NAF jets scored accurate hits on targeted locations, “scores of the terrorists in the general areas” were killed while several gun trucks and armoury were destroyed.
This story first appeared in PRNigeria.