The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes have eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists at two key locations in Bula Marwa, Borno State.
Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement said the operation, which took place on 25 October 2024, had already identified Bula Marwa as a high-level meeting site for Boko Haram’s notorious figures.
“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions further confirmed heightened terrorist activity, revealing an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of combatants across the site,” it said.
Following this, the NAF fighter jets were dispatched to the location for an air interdiction mission, adding that on arrival, ISR footage captured suspected terrorists assembling at a rendezvous point on 12 motorcycles.
The motorcycles were then traced to a primary meeting location where additional terrorists had been waiting, adding that the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area.
“Moments later, ISR aircraft loitering in the vicinity observed several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their wounded combatants,” it said.
“In response, NAF air assets conducted follow-up strikes, neutralizing additional terrorists.
“Additional ISR was conducted in the area the same day, identifying another group of terrorists gathering under a large tree at a second meeting site.
“Upon verification, NAF air assets launched a precision airstrike on this location, achieving a direct hit and neutralizing numerous terrorists,” the statement further added.
The air operations struck a significant blow to planned terrorist activities, taking out multiple fighters and demolishing their motorcycles, thereby crippling their ability to launch ambushes or other hostile actions.
“This impactful strike highlights the ongoing contributions of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to ridding northeastern Nigeria of terrorist activities.
“The NAF remains committed to executing its mission with relentless precision, whether in joint or independent operations, to bring an end to terrorism as well as all other threats to the sovereignty and security of our great nation,” it further added.