By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force says several terrorists have been killed in a joint operation by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and troops of the Nigerian Army, in Damasak and Mobbar local government areas of Borno State.
A statement on Wednesday by NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, says the terrorists’ hideouts were equally destroyed.
Gabkwet noted that the terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between the Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria, adding that the fleeing terrorists, who were on eight motorcycles were later tracked to two locations in Zarri village, about 28 kilometres east of Damasak and Mala Alide in the Mobbar areas of Borno.
Gabkwet further disclosed that the terrorists 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”, he said.
He said that collaborative efforts of this nature have continued to yield positive outcomes on both sides of the border, which 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.
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