The Armed Forces of Nigeria under the aegis of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully carried out reprisal attacks on Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, killing scores of the in their hideouts in Gubio axis, Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
Sources confirmed that scores of Boko Haram-ISWAP terrorists were killed while four of their gun trucks destroyed in a well-coordinated joint operation by the air and ground troops.
It was a new height in joint operations as while the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha jets bombarded the terrorists hideouts as it provided close-air supports, ground troops pursued and eliminated those fleeing the
scenes.
The operation in Gubio was reprisal attacks on the terrorists for last Saturday’s ambush on a military convoy in Kareto town connecting to Gubio/Damasak highway in Northern Borno State.
Sources noted that the ground troops at Gubio were initially confronting the terrorists when the NAF jet on a different mission was instructed to proceed to the Gubio axis.
According to a source, “the NAF alpha jet, on sighting the Boko Haram-ISWAP fighters fleeing towards Damasak in four-gun trucks, rocketed their convoy and subsequently immobilized the occupants.
“After the aerial bombardments, some terrorists who were trying to escape on foots, were neutralised by ground troops.
“Apart from the destroyed gun trucks, items recovered from the terrorists included sophisticated guns, ammunition, fragmental jackets, jerry cans, bags of Indian hemp, sexual enhancement pills and exercise book containing Arabic
text on how to make bombs.”
Meanwhile, following reports of terrorists’ movements within Sambisa Forest from Parisu through Njimiya axis, another NAF fighter jet, which was quickly scrambled, intercepted the Boko Haram-ISWAP elements at a location and neutralized them in multiple airstrikes.
NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the attacks were successful.
Said he: “While I can’t give details on the Monday’s operations, the air component successfully destroyed their gun trucks, while the ground troops were spotted pursuing the remnant of the terrorists.”
The Theatre Commander, General Christopher Musa has commended the troops for the gallantry in the joint air and ground operation and charged them to remain resolute in ensuring total annihilation of ISWAP-Boko Haram in their hideouts and enclaves.