NAF airstrikes neutralize terrorists, destroy vehicles in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force has said its fighter jets killed several terrorists and destroyed their vehicles during airstrikes on Dabar Masara, a known terrorist hideout in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the operation was carried out on December 14 after what he described as “credible intelligence” gathered through coordinated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Ejodame said earlier ISR operations had revealed repeated movements of terrorists in the area, as well as a large number of vehicles hidden under thick vegetation.

He noted that this development confirmed that the location was being used as an active terrorist logistics hub, leading to the decision to carry out the airstrikes.

He said: “On the day of the operation, further surveillance validated the earlier findings, with terrorists observed manoeuvring within the location and around the identified vehicles.

“Following positive identification and in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, the targets were engaged. Post-operation Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that the identified vehicles were destroyed and terrorist elements were neutralised.

“The successful execution of this mission underscores the NAF’s continued commitment to intelligence-driven, precise air operations in support of national efforts to degrade terrorist networks and enhance security across affected regions.”

However, residents of the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State have alleged that airstrikes targeting terrorists’ positions in the area killed an unspecified number of civilians.

The residents reportedly said the airstrikes were carried out between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., killing fishermen and commercial drivers who had gathered at a terminus junction on the road leading to Daban Masara in Kukawa Local Government Area and Badeiri in Marte Local Government Area.

The commercial drivers had reportedly gathered in the area to convey the fish products and fishermen to their destinations, when the strikes hit the area.

Residents reportedly said three people were killed and 10 vehicles destroyed, adding that some of the injured were taken to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment.

NAF authorities had yet to respond to the development at the time of filing this report.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!