Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have killed five “key” terrorists commanders and 35 fighters in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.
NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet, announced this in a statement yesterday.
The terrorist commanders, according to AVM Gabkwet, are Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki, adding that they were killed during an air interdiction mission on August 16.
AVM Gabkwet said: “Prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighbouring 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 successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
“Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.
“Additionally, credible intelligence further revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike.”
According to him, the operation had “significantly degraded” the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region.
He added: “The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail.”