Nigeria Troops’ air component has neutralised more than 15 terrorists and destroyed their structures in a precision air interdiction mission at a new hideout in the Sambisa general area of Borno State.
According to a counter-insurgency and security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation carried out on September 3 at around 11:50 a.m. was informed by credible intelligence which tracked terrorists fleeing following sustained ground operations in the Bitta axis in July.
According to competent sources, ISR missions conducted by Grey Raptor platforms established the withdrawal route of the terrorists along a river line extending from Bitta towards Zuwa.
The sources said “Overhead the West of Zuwa, our crew observed active terrorist structures with several fighters wearing ISWAP uniforms. It was evident the location had become a major concentration point.
“Consequently, the air component executed multiple attack passes with precision-guided stores against the identified structures, which were occupied by a large concentration of terrorists,” the sources said.
The sources explained that the strikes achieved their desired effect, as over 15 terrorists were neutralised and the structures destroyed completely.
The sources added that the operation was a direct follow-on to the July 28 encounter with ground troops in Bitta, where several terrorists were dislodged.
The sources reiterated the commitment of the troops of Operation HADIN KAI and its Air Component to sustain close air support, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations in synergy with surface forces until terrorism is completely defeated in the North East.
Recalled that Nigerian military, through Operation Hadin Kai, has intensified its coordinated operations across the North East, targeting remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents still hiding in the Sambisa and Mandara mountains.
