- Troops thwart insurgents’ ambush, recover arms, ammunition in Yobe, Borrno
- NAF airstrikes killed 592 terrorists, 372 assets destroyed in eight months, says Air Chief
- Zulum urges increased air power to combat insurgents
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have foiled bandits planned to attack villagers in Zamfara State.
The troops killed dozens of terrorists in a coordinated air and ground assault at Gando Forest in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
An attempted ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Kareto was thwarted by troops from Operation HADIN KAI’s 145 Battalion, leading to the recovery of weapons and killing of insurgents.
Sources said the ambush was orchestrated on Monday.
The terrorists first detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and opened fire on the troops.
Also, in the Northeast, no fewer than 592 terrorists have been killed and 372 assets destroyed in several airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in the past eight months.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this known yesterday during a visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri.
In a statement, the Information Officer of the OPFY, Captain David Adewusi, said: ”The OPFY troops will continue to hunt the adversaries down anywhere they gather or move,’’ the statement read.
Captain Adewusi also said the operation followed a credible intelligence showing convergence of a large number of terrorists loyal to the late Halilu Buzu and Alhaji Beti in the forest, where they were preparing to launch a reprisal attack on Bukkuyum farming communities in Zamfara.
“Intelligence gatherings indicated that the assault was aimed at avenging their recent defeat in clashes with security forces and hybrid units where they suffered serious defects,’’ the statement noted.
The troops of OPFY under Sector 2 further intercepted and eliminated the terrorists who were fleeing from the aerial bombardment.
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In Yobe and Borno states, the soldiers executed anti-ambush drills, outflanked the attackers, and killed scores of them.
They recovered a PKT automatic anti-aircraft machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, and a large quantity of 7.62 ammunition, among others.
In a separate operation, troops from the 233 Battalion and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) of Sector II engaged terrorists at Sassawa village in Yobe State and killed two insurgents. They recovered one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Air Marshal Abubakar, said: “This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the Northeast.”
He said the feat was achieved through upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, executing 798 combat sorties that clocked over 1,500 flight hours in the theatre of operation.
The NAF Chief further said: “From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF airpower has pounded terrorist strongholds with coordinated day-and-night operations, delivering devastating strikes in some of the most difficult terrain.’’
The AM commended several initiatives of the Borno State Government, including the ‘Borno Model’, a community-driven, non-kinetic engagement combined with decisive military action, which experts have deemed a winning formula in the counter-insurgency campaign.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he assured.
He reassured that NAF’s operations were as much about protecting civilians and destroying enemy capabilities.
Zulum commended the NAF for its sustained air support in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities.
He said: “The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency.
“Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”
The Nation reports that the NAF has also achieved significant success recently in Zamfara State, where its airstrikes eliminated over 400 bandits in the area.
Zulum also called for more air power to degrade the Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
The governor made the appeal during a meeting.
Zulum, who acknowledged the Air Force’s contributions to security, including providing air cover for ground troops and humanitarian aid, however, reemphasised that more air power is needed, particularly in difficult terrains.