The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its airstrikes have eliminated key Boko Haram terrorists leaders Munzir Arika,Sani Dilla and 35 other fighters in the Southern Tumbuns in Borno State.
A statement by the NAF spokesman AVM Edward Gabkwet said the airstrikes were executed on 16 August 2024 in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State after intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighbouring locations.
He said confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12 and 15 August 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,” he said.
The spokesman said Battle Damage Assessment after the air strikes revealed that the strikes obliterated several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary.
He added “credible intelligence further revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike.”
He continued, “The key terrorists commanders believed to have been present at the location during the operation include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki, along with over 35 other foot soldiers”.
He said the operation has significantly degraded the operational capacity of “the few remaining terrorists in the region”.
He restated that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail.
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