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Tag: Ibikunle Daramola

  • Air Force strikes terrorists’ gun trucks, neutralises occupants

    The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday said gun trucks belonging to Boko Haram Terrorists have been destroyed through air strikes, while the occupants were also neutralised.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the gun trucks were laden with weapons and heading towards the northern part of Borno state.

    Daramola said “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has dealt another blow on the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements by completely destroying an ammunition-laden gun truck and immobilising another one belonging to the group at Garunda in the Northern part of Borno Sate.

    “This was achieved on Thursday, 10 September 2019, when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft on armed reconnaissance mission along the Gudumbali-Zari-Garunda axis spotted 2 ISWAP gun trucks emerging from Jumaacheri settlement heading towards Garunda.

    “The attack aircraft tracked the 2 gun trucks as they attempted to evade detection by driving into foliage.

    Read Also: Air Force jets neutralise insurgents in Borno

    “The aircraft engaged one of the gun trucks, which was camouflaged under a tree, in successive passes scoring accurate hits leading to the neutralization of some of the ISWAP occupants.

    “The gun truck was later seen engulfed in flames as a result of multiple mini-explosions of the on-board ammunition.

    “The other gun truck was also tracked and immobilized after its occupants had abandoned it under another tree in the area.”

     

     

     

  • Air Force kills scores of Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa

    THE Nigerian Air Force said at the weekend that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralised as air strikes targetted at their command structures were conducted at the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement that the strikes were conducted after intelligence report indicated the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Daramola added that the strikes followed the launch of “Operation Green Sweep 3” by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The statement reads: “In a renewed offensive aimed at further eliminating remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province Terrorists (BHT/ISWAP) in the Northeast of Nigeria, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has launched Operation GREEN SWEEP 3, which targets some identified terrorists’ positions in Borno State.

    “In furtherance of the operation, the ATF on 9 August successfully destroyed a BHT Command and Control Centre at Dusula on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

    “The operation was executed after series of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the identification of the Command Centre with its solar panels, communications equipment and other facilities.

    Read Also: Real Boko Haram defeated, says Presidency

    “The 3 Alpha Jets dispatched by the ATF engaged the location in multiple passes, recording accurate hits on the target area.”

    The statement added: “The structures housing the Command Centre were completely destroyed by the strikes while several of the terrorists were neutralised.

    “The few surviving terrorists, who were seen attempting to flee the area, were taken.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations against the terrorists in the Northeast.

  • Air Force strikes kill 20 bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air force said on Tuesday that no fewer than 20 bandits have been killed through air strikes in Zamfara state.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the strikes also destroyed the camp of a major kingpin of the bandits known as Alhaji Lawal.

    A statement supported with a declassified video clip said the attacks on the bandits were carried out after intelligence reports have established their presence in the area.

    Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has recorded a major success against armed bandits in Zamfara State by destroying the camp of a major kingpin, Alhaji Lawal, and neutralizing up to 20 of his fighters near Rugu Forest in Zamfara State.

    “This was accomplished in a dawn attack executed on 26 April 2019 after credible intelligence indicated that the notorious kingpin was camped, along with dozens of his fighters, at a settlement about 4 Km West of Rugu Forest, where he keeps his logistics supplies, coordinates operations and launches attacks against security forces as well as innocent civilians.

    Read Also: Banditry: 44,000 orphans roam Zamfara, says Marafa

    “Consequently, following detailed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the ATF dispatched one Alpha Jet and an attack helicopter to strike the camp.

    “The Alpha Jet strikes recorded direct hits on the camp destroying the armed bandits’ structures, fuel storage containers, arms, explosives and other logistics supplies, which were seen engulfed in flames.

    “The attack helicopter carried out mop-up attacks on the target. No fewer than 20 armed bandits were neutralized in the air strikes.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”

     

  • Air Force Special Forces neutralise bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday said its Special Forces team in Zamfara state has neutralized two bandits in Rafi and Doka villages in Gusau local government area.

    Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the team responded to reports of the gathering of high profile bandits in the communities.

    Air Commodore Daramola said “In response to reports that high profile armed bandits were gathering around Rafi and Doka villages of Mada District in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, which is under the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the 207 Quick Response Group (207 QRG), a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team was dispatched to the area on Wednesday, 16 April 2019, to secure the 2 settlements and thwart the bandits’ plans.

    Read Also: No room for negotiation with bandits – Zamfara CP

    “Upon arrival at the location, the NAF SF Team encountered resistance in the form of heavy gunfire from the bandits.

    “However, the brave SF personnel employed superior tactics to outlast the bandits, who were soon low on ammunition, before engaging and overpowering them.

    “Two bandits were neutralized in the process while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Since then, the SF Team has been conducting aggressive patrols in the area, especially the fringes of the forest, to forestall any reprisal attack.

    “The NAF, along with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain the operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”

  • NAF destroys bandits logistics store in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has destroyed some logistics’ stores belonging to bandits at a location within Kagara Forest, in Zamfara.

    NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who said this on Sunday in Abuja, added that the operation was conducted on Saturday.

    ” The operation was executed on Saturday April 13, following credible intelligence reports indicating that some of the bandits who had fled their camps as a result of NAF’s earlier air strikes had relocated some logistics items, including fuel, motorcycles and local arms making equipment, to another location within Kagara Forest.

    ” Accordingly, the ATF dispatched an Mi-35 helicopter gunship, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target.

    ” The target area initially appeared uninhabited.

    ” However, as the helicopter approached, some of the bandits were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area,” he said.

    Read Also: Flogging of suspected bandits unacceptable – NAF

    Daramola said the helicopter engaged the target recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.

    He said some bandits, who fired at the aircraft, were taken out by the helicopter.

    ” Reports from independent sources, including local informants and village leaders around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and four bandits killed as a result of the attack,” he said.

    The spokesman said the NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other security agencies, would sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the North West of the Country.

    NAN

  • Air Force loses airman to Parachuting accident

    The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday announced it lost one of its airmen to parachuting accident in Kaduna.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement that the incident occurred during recurrence training.

    Read Also: Air Force strike kills 25 bandits in Zamfara

    He said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is sad to announce the passing of one of its airmen, Corporal Meshach Iliya Komo, who died in Kaduna today, 14 April 2019, in a parachuting accident during recurrence training.

    “On behalf officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commiserates with the family of the late airman over this irreparable loss.

    “We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.”

  • Air Force kills four bandits in Kagara forest

    The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said four bandits have been killed during air strikes in Kagara Forest in Zamfara state when the bandits fired at its Mi-35 helicopter gunship during an operation.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore, Ibikunle Daramola, the air strikes were targeted at logistic base of the bandits inside the forest.

    Daramola explained in a statement that the operations were carried out after intelligence report had established the presence of the bandits and their operational equipment in the area.

    He said: “In continuation of its sustained intensive air operations against armed bandits’ hideouts in Zamfara State and its environs, the Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has destroyed some logistics stores belonging to the bandits at a location within Kagara forest.

    “The operation was executed on Sunday, 13 April 2019, following credible intelligence reports indicating that some of the armed bandits who had fled their camps as a result of NAF’s earlier air strikes had relocated some logistics items, including fuel, motorcycles and local arms making equipment, to another location within Kagara Forest.

    ” Accordingly, the ATF dispatched an Mi-35 helicopter gunship, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target. The target area initially appeared uninhabited.

    “However, as the helicopter approached, some of the bandits were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

    Read Also: Air Force bombs bandits

    “The helicopter engaged the target recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.

    “Some armed bandits, who fired at the aircraft, were taken out by the helicopter.

    “Reports from independent sources, including local informants and village leaders around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and 4 armed bandits killed as a result of the attack.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the country.”

     

     

     

  • Air Force strike kills 25 bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said more than 25 bandits have been killed in Zamfara state after it launched air strikes on their hideouts at the weekend.

    The spokesman of the Air Force, Air commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the strikes were carried out after intelligence platforms have established the presence of the bandits in the areas.

    He added that the structures and logistics base of the bandits were also destroyed during the operations.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has successfully destroyed an armed bandits’ logistics base at Ajia and neutralized dozens of armed bandits at Ajia and Wonaka in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

    “The operation was executed on 4 April 2019 sequel to Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that the armed bandits were using a compound within Ajia as a logistics store to support their operations.

    Read Also: Zamfara imposes curfew on motorcycles

    “Consequently, the ATF dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the compound scoring accurate strikes on the target and causing it to erupt into flames, which engulfed the structures and resulted in the neutralization of some of the bandits.

    “Few survivors, seen fleeing the vicinity of the target area, were taken out in follow-on attacks while others, who managed to escape the area, were tracked to Wonaka and equally neutralised.

    “Independent HUMINT sources subsequently confirmed that more than 25 armed bandits were neutralized in the attacks on the 2 locations.

    “The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the Northwest.”

     

  • Air Force kills Boko Haram leaders, others

    The Nigerian Air Force Tuesday said it has launched series of air strikes on the hideouts of Boko Haram terrorists at the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno state.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the operations led to killing of high valued Boko Haram members.

    He added the operations were carried out after intelligence platform had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has significantly degraded an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists’ Hideout and neutralized some of its leaders and fighters at Magari on the fringes of Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State.

    “This was accomplished in an air interdiction mission conducted on Tuesday, 1 April 2019, following credible intelligence reports indicating that some senior ISWAP leaders arrived the settlement on Friday, 30 April 2019, along with some of their fighters.

    Read Also: Air Force destroys insurgents’ logistics in Borno

    “Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over the weekend confirmed increased level of human activities in the settlement with a prominent ISWAP flag observed near 2 compounds in the settlement indicating the presence of high level leaders of the Sect.

    “Accordingly, 2 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, supported by an ISR platform, were dispatched to attack the identified compounds within the settlement.

    “Overhead the target area, some terrorists were observed in the vicinity of the compounds. The bombs from the 2 Alpha Jets recorded direct hits on the target compounds resulting in destruction of several structures, which were seen engulfed in flames. Several of the terrorists were also neutralized in the process.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations against the terrorists in the Northeast.”

  • Air Force repels bandit attacks in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said five bandits have been neutralized by its special forces team when they attempted to invade some villages in Gusau local government area of Zamfara state.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement some of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds after the encounter.

    He said two women and a child were among kidnapped victims rescued from the bandits.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team operating in Zamfara State has successfully repelled attacks by armed bandits who attempted to invade Hayin Mahe and Hayin Kanawa Villages in Gusau Local Government Area.

    “The operation, which took place on 31st March 2019, was conducted sequel to intelligence reports indicating that the bandits, who operate from Sububu and Kagara Forests, had attacked the villages and kidnapped some of its inhabitants.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes Boko Haram in Lake Chad

    “The timely response of the SF Team resulted in a gun duel with the bandits who eventually fled into the forest. The gallant NAF SF personnel pursued the bandits into the forest, overpowering them and neutralizing 5 bandits, while many others were observed to have run away with various gunshot wounds.

    “Three AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered in the process. Some villagers, who were kidnapped by the fleeing bandits, including 2 women and a child, were freed and handed over to the District Head of Mada Town.

    “In a follow-up operation, the NAF SF Team returned to the communities to prevent reprisal attacks by the criminals as well as reassure the populace of their safety.

    “The Team, supported by a NAF Alpha Jet and attack helicopters, tracked the fleeing armed bandits to their hideouts within Sububu Forest.

    “The Alpha Jet successfully attacked the armed bandits’ camps while the helicopters scanned the environs for fleeing elements. The local populace was seen expressing confidence by cheering at the helicopters overhead their communities.

    “The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the area.”