The Nigerian Air Force said Monday it killed several Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in airstrikes in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno.

NAF spokesman Edward Gabkwet said in a statement that the airstrikes obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts and destroyed their structures and strategic logistics base in the region.

Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between September 27 and 30 after confirmation of the terrorists’ activities, which threatened military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations,” the air force statement claimed.

At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in two gun trucks concealed under shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base, it added.

According to the NAF, after the strike, battle damage assessment revealed several terrorists were killed and their gun trucks destroyed.

Similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideouts were observed tucked under thick foliage, said the statement.

Three gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location, adding that the need to strike the location was necessary.

“The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course,” said the statement. “Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians.” 

(NAN)