The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesman Edward Gabkwet on Sunday announced that a Boko Haram kingpin and hundreds of jihadist fighters were neutralised in air raids around northern Borno.

The air operations were performed on December 20, Mr Gabkwet stated in a release on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that the interdiction mission was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Mantari village in Gezuwa general area, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

The military image maker said that among those neutralised were terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega.

Mr Gabkwet said that the attack followed an intelligence report that a Boko Haram terrorist commander, known as Ikirima had moved to Mantari village with his gun trucks, and was joined by terrorists on motorcycles from other locations.

“Subsequently, the authorisation for an airstrike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area.

“After the first wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of those neutralised in the air strike.

“This provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were neutralised with dozens said to be in critical condition.“

Mr Gabkwet said that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.

“The timely intelligence received on their plans especially, their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama thus helped in the successful airstrikes which has reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens.

“There is no doubt that the progress and gains being made especially, by the air and ground troops, has greatly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the North-East zone in recent times.

“Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on the need to remain focused on the end state,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) have both commended their efforts and other security agencies under OPHK for the tremendous achievements being recorded in the theatre.

According to them, there has been a lot of improvement in the security situation in the region due to the ongoing operations.

The duo, however, urged the troops to continue to give in their best towards ensuring that the region was completely rid of all terrorists.

They also paid special tribute to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and insurgency while commending the commitment and uncommon sacrifices of the troops as peace gradually returns to Borno.

While wishing them a merry Christmas, the service chiefs extended the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians to the troops for their sacrifices and efforts.

(NAN)