Paul Obi in Abuja
As part of its clearance operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Component of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission of the Sambisa general area, the former spiritual headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorists.
Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said: “During the ISR mission, a gradual convergence of Boko Haram elements at some buildings in Alagarno Camp 1 was noticed.
“The sight of several solar panels on the rooftops of the buildings, and the obvious attempt to conceal the buildings, gave out the plans of the terrorists.â€
Adesanya explained that “a confirmatory ISR mission indicated that the structures were most likely a budding command and control facility, which could also house High Value Targets.
“Accordingly, on July 3, 2017, the air component detailed three aircraft namely, two Alpha Jet and one F-7Ni aircraft, to conduct Air Interdiction strikes on the buildings in succession.
“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the structures with the solar panels as well as other adjoining Boko Haram structures were damaged.
“Furthermore, a suspected Boko Haram technical vehicle, which was attempting to make a run from the vicinity, was struck by subsequent waves of attack.â€
