The terrorists according a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday, were neutralised in airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on April 13, 2024.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has neutralised top terrorist leaders Ali Dawud, Bakurah Fallujah, Mallam Ari and other 30 fighters in Borno State.
The terrorists according a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday, were neutralised in airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on April 13, 2024.
According to the statement, the airstrikes targeted the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists nestled within Kolleram village along the shores of Lake Chad.
Giving assessment of the airstrikes, the NAF spokesman, said that a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), conducted has revealed that over 30 terrorists were killed.
“Among those neutralised were some senior commanders such as Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari,” he said.
Apart from neutralised some of the terrorists, numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets, were also destroyed, thereby severely hampering their operational capabilities.
“Intelligence gathered after the airstrike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively obliterated a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines.
“By neutralising key terrorist figures and destroying their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region,” he added.
The success of the airstrikes, the spokesman said has demonstrated NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
He said that the airstrikes complement the ongoing efforts of ground forces in the Lake Chad flank and represent a crucial step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.