Several Terrorists Neutralised as Nigerian Air Force Hits Sambisa Hideouts

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Air force says it has carried out air strikes on suspected militant hideouts in the Sambisa axis of Borno State, killing several senior operatives.

The operation took place in the Yuwe area on 28 February, as part of the military’s Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to a statement issued by the service’s Director of Public Relations and Information, AirCommodore Ehimen Ejodame, the early-morning strikes followed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance which identified buildings believed to be used by militant commanders and for storing supplies.

The Air force said the targets were hit during what it described as a precision air interdiction mission, adding that post-strike assessments from intelligence sources indicated that several “high-value” operatives, including senior commanders, were killed.

Military officials say the strikes have disrupted the militants’ command structures and supply networks in the area. The Air force added that surveillance flights are continuing to track any remaining fighters attempting to flee or regroup.

Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the aircrew involved and said the force would continue intelligence-led operations in support of ground troops.

The Nigerian military has stepped up air and ground operations in recent months in the Sambisa axis, long regarded as a stronghold of Islamist insurgents operating in north-eastern Nigeria.