By Emmanuel Obisue
Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in collaborative efforts with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF and the Nigerien Air Force, on Tuesday eliminated scores of terrorists in Damasak and Mobbar Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The joint air interdiction strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in the area came after terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria.
“The fleeing terrorists who were on 8 motorcycles were later tracked to 2 locations situated at Zarri village, located about 28 km east of Damasak and Mala Alide in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
“They were observed hibernating in the Village with their motorcycles hidden under trees. Subsequently, airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, struck the terrorists’ locations. Real-time ISR footage later confirmed numerous terrorists were eliminated and several structures within the targeted areas destroyed,” a statement on Wednesday by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information stated.
NAF noted that collaborative efforts of this nature have continued to yield positive outcomes on both sides of the border, and has also led to the reduction in terrorism and other forms of cross-border crimes perpetrated by criminals criss-crossing the borders to evade justice.
