Sept. 12, 2023

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, has in an early morning air strike on Monday, dislodged terrorists from their enclaves at Suwa in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said that Suwa was a stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists in Gezuwa general area near Sambisa Forest until it was dislodged by the military and other security agencies.

He said that recent intelligence revealed the massing up of terrorists within the area with likely plans to attack troops on patrol along major routes to Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, further intelligence also revealed that the same group of terrorists had perfected plans to attack troops stationed around Rann in Kalabalge Local Government Area.

“Accordingly, air strikes were authorized with confirmatory assessments revealing several terrorists neutralised and structures destroyed thereby degrading their ability to attack friendly forces and innocent law abiding civilians.

“It has now become evident that the efforts of the entire security agencies operating in the Northeast has, to a large extend, yielded the requisite outcome, though a lot still needs to be done.

“The need to sustain the momentum is thus expedient, just all the support of all Nigerians to the Armed Forces and other security agencies is essential as they clear the region of all criminal elements.

“For the Air Component Commanders in all joint operating theatres, the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, remains clear and unambiguous: that is ‘Stop at nothing in going after these criminals and ensure they are brought to justice. The era of treating them with kids’ gloves is long over,” he said.