Lake Chad, NAF airstrikes defeat militants

On Monday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that airstrikes in the Tumbuns, a region of Borno that borders Lake Chad, had neutralised many Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

This was announced in a statement released on Monday in Abuja by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF.

According to Gabkwet, the airstrikes completely destroyed the terrorists’ facilities, hiding places, and critical supply base in the area.

He claimed that between September 27 and September 30, Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were attacked upon confirmation of the terrorists’ actions, which posed a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians dwelling in the areas.

Terrorists were seen at Tumbun Fulani loading jerricans onto two covert guntrucks.

NAF planes were then dispatched to intercept the area, which was thought to be a significant supply base.

He said that after the attack, a Battle Damage Assessment showed that several terrorists had been killed and the guntrucks had been destroyed.

Similar attacks, according to him, were also carried out in Tumbun Shitu after buildings thought to be terrorist hideouts were spotted hidden away among dense vegetation.

Three weapons trucks carrying terrorists were seen entering the area, according to a NAF spokeswoman, who added that it was thus necessary to attack the area immediately.

He said that the air strike’s aftermath showed that the trucks were destroyed and numerous terrorists were neutralised.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain committed to severely curtailing terrorist activity in the Northeast and throughout the rest of Nigeria.

“Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians,” the official said.