The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, the operation carried out on 14 November was achieved through multiple air strikes, executed in 2 locations – Gobara and the Sambisa ‘S’ Region – in the vicinity of the forest that were being used by the BHTs as logistics bases as well as staging areas to launch attacks.
Consequently, the ATF dispatched appropriate force packages of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to engage the target areas. Several BHTs were spotted under the dense vegetation of the locations as the NAF jets took turns in attacking the targets, neutralizing some of them.
In a related development, and in continuation of aggressive clearance operations to stamp out banditry and sundry crimes in the North-West zone of the country, troops of Operation ACCORD have recorded significant successes. The troops yesterday, 15 November, while on night patrol at Yar Tasha village, made contact with armed bandits and engaged them in firefight, during which, 3 armed bandits were neutralised while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Equally, 3 AK 47 rifles were recovered during the operation.
Similay, following credible intelligence on movement of bandits, troops conducted fighting patrol to Natsinta and Dawanna villages in Jibia Local Government Area along Katsina-Jibia road. In the course of the operation, 10 suspected bandits migrating with rustled livestock were arrested. Upon interrogation, suspects claimed that they migrated from Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State to Niger Republic. Suspects were arrested with 88 cows and an unconfirmed number of sheep. Suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
Furthermore, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka on 15 November, rescued one kidnapped victim named Adamu Yahaya. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa’ida village in Faskari Local Government Area. The victim has since been reunited with his family.
Currently, the gallant troops have continued to dominate the general area with patrols to provide security for locals and deny bandits freedom of action.
The statement expresses sentiments of commendation of the Military High Command to the gallant troops for their professionalism, and encourages them to intensify the onslaught against the criminal elements in the country, while also reiterating the resolution of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to not relent until all enemies of the nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones.
