The Nigerian Air Force says its airstrikes have killed scores of terrorists at Metele in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin. This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday.

It said the operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday.

The statement also mentioned that the operation was launched after credible intelligence and subsequent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, terrorist hideouts, and heightened terrorist activity within the area.

According to him, acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets engaged the identified targets with precision.

“Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements. Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations.

“Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorists’ enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists,” the air force stated.

Reacting to the successful operation, the air force chief, Sunday Aneke, commended the personnel involved and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements.

“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” Mr Aneke said. 

(NAN)