Precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Thursday eliminated several terrorists near Degbawa, a reclusive location within the Mandara Mountains in Goza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
A source noted that “the airstrikes were called for after intelligence revealed the sighting of some key terrorists’ figures and their foot soldiers arriving the location in the last 2 days for a probable meeting.
“Their gathering in large number yesterday afternoon near Degbawa raised concerns, thus necessitating the need for an air interdiction on the location with devastating outcome for the terrorists. An assessment of the location after the strike revealed a large number of terrorists were indeed eliminated.”
Another source noted that “this particular location was carefully chosen by the terrorists to evade being easily detected especially by NAF aircraft. The outcome of the strike however proved the terrorists wrong as their nefarious plans to meet was detected, thus leading to the success of the air strike.”
The source stated that “this strike was a major setback for the terrorists who have, of late, been at the receiving end of the air and land components of OPHK.”
Another source also noted that “these terrorists were responsible for the recent attack on some locals in Geidam and had planned to meet to review the attack as well as plan the next line of attack on innocent civilians and other vulnerable targets.”
When contacted, NAF Spokesperson and Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the attack at Degbawa and reassured Nigerians that “the NAF will continue to go after these terrorists until they lay down their arms or are eliminated.”