 |
| nigerian air force |
In the ongoing battle against insecurity in the country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on Wednesday that airstrikes by its fighter jets have neutralized key terrorist commanders and 35 foot soldiers, and destroyed their logistics base in the Arina area, located in the southern Tumbuns of Borno State.
This information was shared in a statement provided to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet.
According to the statement, the terrorist commanders killed in the strikes include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
The statement reads, “In a decisive effort to further weaken the activities of the remnants of terrorists operating in the Northeast, while also protecting innocent civilians and our troops, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully executed an air interdiction mission on August 16, 2024, in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.
“Prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations. Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on August 12 and 15, 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets were successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
The statement explained that the battle damage assessment after the strikes revealed that several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.
It further added that “credible intelligence revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike. The key terrorist commanders believed to have been present at the location during the operation include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki, along with over 35 other foot soldiers.
While noting that the operation has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region, the statement emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail.
Source News
