Insurgency: NAF Neutralises Hundreds of Boko Haram Terrorists in Sambisa Forest

Paul Obi in Abuja

In a new onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday bombarded the sect’s hideout, neutralising hundreds of the terrorists.
The attack on the sect came amid the new mandate by authorities to military troops extending the dateline for the capture of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

But speaking, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the bombardment was carried out in continuation of fishing out Boko Haram terrorists from Sambisa Forest.

Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) neutralised hundreds of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in Garin Maloma area in Sambisa Forest. A NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had earlier sighted the BHTs who were gathered under some trees.”

He explained that “consequently, a combination of NAF fighter aircraft namely the F7-Ni, Alpha Jet and L-39 ZA aircraft was detailed to carry out air interdiction on the BHT gathering.

“The Alpha Jet aircraft acquired and attacked the target with bombs, neutralising many of the BHTs. Thereafter, the F-Ni aircraft immediately conducted a bomb attack, which resulted in the death of more BHTs.

“The L-39ZA aircraft then followed through by strafing fleeing terrorists with rockets, killing most of them in the process. After the attacks, a few BHT survivors were seen scampering from the location.”

Also, following the flood which has continued to wreak havoc in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, ravaging other parts of the state, NAF yesterday air-lifted officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the state for prompt intervention.
According to Adesanya, NAF also “conveyed the Director General of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and other NEMA officials to Makurdi to give effect to the Presidential directive to assist flood victims in Makurdi. The NAF Beechcraft KingAir aircraft was used to convey the team.”

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